EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 8/1/2011

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Men News

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  ARMENIA   


U16: Sweden wins over Armenia for the second victory in Group C - by Eurobasket News
Armenia U16-Sweden U16 79:85

Sweden wins over Armenia for the second win in Group C of the U16 European Championship in Division B. The Scandinavian team won 85:79 and improved to 2-1 record. Armenia suffered the second loss and dropped to 1-2 record.
It was the game for the second victory in the tournament and both teams desired to improve to the positive record. Sweden started with 18-16 as Johansson made a free throw at the end of the quarter. The second period was a nightmare for Armenia that failed with 13-29. The latter tried to catch up with the opponents in the second half but could not tie the game. Armenia won the third period 28-20 and added 22-18 in the last stanza, but lost by 6 points.
Ludvig Hakanson (187-PG-96) paced all the winners with 19 points, while Filip Kovacek (180-PG-95) added 13. Eduardo Mondolfi (197-F-95) and David Terins (192-G-95) followed them with 9 points apiece for the second victory. Vladimir Radivoevich (95) replied with 24 points and massive 18 rebounds in defeat and Andrey Konstantinov (95) scored 19. Sergei Pogosyan (95) nailed 18, whilst Arkadiy Mkrtychyan (95) delivered 9.

Armenia U16: Vladimir Radivoevich 24+18 rebs, Andrey Konstantinov 19, Sergei Pogosyan 18, Arkadiy Mkrtychyan 9
Sweden U16: Ludvig Hakanson 19, Filip Kovacek 13, Eduardo Mondolfi 9, David Terins 9


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  AUSTRIA   


U16: Netherlands demolish Austrian side - by Eurobasket News
Netherlands U16-Austria U16 90:48

Netherlands demolish Austrian side in Day 3 of the U16 European Championship in Division B. The Dutch side smashed the opponents 90:48 for 3-0 record on top of Group B. Austria meanwhile lost the third straight game and shares the bottom with Cyprus.
Netherlands was the favorite of the game and started offensively. They reached 28-16 at the end of the first period and never looked behind after. Moreover 22-8 in the second frame brought them 50:25 halftime advantage. Netherlands also won the third period 18-17 to increase to 26 point after thirty minutes in the court. Another 22-6 in the last stanza was too much for the opponents.
Bas Veenstra (204-F-95) paced all the winners with 20 points, while Mike Hogervorst (207-C-95) netted 17. Willem Brandwijk (204-F-95) poured in 14 and Daan Rosenmuller (193-F-95) added 12. Georg Wolf (186-G-95) replied with 12 points in defeat and Florian Pelc (168-PG-95) scored 8.

Netherlands U16: Bas Veenstra 20, Mike Hogervorst 17, Willem Brandwijk 14, Daan Rosenmuller 12
Austria U16: Georg Wolf 12, Florian Pelc 8


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  BELARUS   


The National Team of Belarus became the winner of the Aerosvit Cup in Kiev - by Eurobasket News
Belarus-Estonia 70:72

The National Team of Belarus became the winner of the Aerosvit Cup in Kiev. The team lost the last game to Estonia 70:72 but had a better points difference. Belarus, Ukraine and Estonia finished with 2-1 records, while Belarus triumphed with a 2-point margin.
Estonia shocked the opponents with 28-9 in the first frame, but Belarus replied with 21-15 in the second period. Moreover Belarus added massive 28-13 in the third quarter and did not mind 12-16 in the last stanza.
Pavel Ulyanko (204-F/C-79) posted 18 points to lead all the winners, while Dzianis Korshuk (201-F-78, agency: Agency No 10) netted 13. Artsiom Parakhouski (211-C-87, college: Radford) posted 12, while Aliaksei Trastsinetski (201-F-86) scored 9. Kristjan Kangur (202-F-82) ended up with 20 points and 8 rebounds in the losing effort and Viderman as well as Gregor Arbet (194-F/G-83) posted 12 each.
Pavel Ulyanko became MVP of the tournament. Kristjan Kangur was named the best Forward, while his teammate Sokk became the best Guard. Ukrainian Kravtsov received the best Center Award.

Belarus: Pavel Ulyanko 18, Dzianis Korshuk 13, Artsiom Parakhouski 12, Aliaksei Trastsinetski 9
Estonia: Kristjan Kangur 20+8 rebs, Viderman 12, Gregor Arbet 12


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  BELGIUM   


U16: Bosnia and Herzegovina hand Belgium their first loss - by Eurobasket News
Bosnia and Herzegovina U16-Belgium U16 80:71

Bosnia and Herzegovina hand Belgium their first loss at the U16 European Championship in Division B. The Bosnian team improved to 2-0 record after 80:71 win. Bosnia and Herzegovina dropped at 1-2 on the third place in Group D.
Bosnia and Herzegovina and Belgium entered the game undefeated. Bosnia took 24-16 in the first period and added 22-17 for 46:33 halftime deficit. Belgium however erupted with 22-7 in the third quarter as Sam Hemeleers (179-G-95) closed it for 55:53. Romain Boxus (194-F-96) tied the game at 61:61 and then Bosnia won the rest of the game with 19-10 run.
Adi Zahiragic (185-PG-95) notched 22 points to lead the charge in the game and Nedim Buza (201-F-95) collected 16 points and 11 boards. Bojan Lulic (196-F-95) netted 12, while Edi Sipka (197-F-95) posted 10. Romain Boxus finished the game with 16 points and Sam Hemeleers added 11.

Bosnia and Herzegovina U16: Adi Zahiragic 22, Nedim Buza 16+11 rebs, Bojan Lulic 12, Edi Sipka 10
Belgium U16: Romain Boxus 16, Sam Hemeleers 11


Belgium Senior National Team - by Peter Buyse
Head coqch Eddy Casteels recently announced the 14 NT players who are leaving for a training camp in the USA and Canada.
The camp in the US is being held in Dallas and Toronto is the host city for the Canadian part of the training sessions.
The Belgian Lions are set to play 6 games while in North America, Panama and Canada are some of the opponents.
They won their first exhibition game in Brussels vs Cote D'Ivoire.

Sam Van Rossom (188-G-86) - CAI Zaragoza
Jonathan Tabu (190-G-85) - Vanoli Braga Cremona
Jorn Steinbach (181-PG-89) Generali Okapi Aalstar
Dimitri Lauwers (187-G-79) - Air Avelinno
Guy Muya (190-G-83) - Belgacom Liege
Roel Moors (190-G-78) - Antwerp Giants
Jean-Marc Mwema (195-F-89) - Antwerp Giants
Marcus Faison (196-G-78)
Randy Oveneke (201-F-86) - Antwerp Giants
Axel Hervelle (205-F-83) - Bizkaia Bilbao
Christophe Beghin (207-F-80) - Spirou Charleroi
Tomas Van Den Spiegel (214-C-78) - Telenet Oostende
Maxime De Zeeuw (205-F-87) - VOO Verviers-Pepinster
Didier Mbenga (214-C-80) - NBA

Coach: Eddy Casteels - Antwerp Giants
Assistant-coach: Jacques Stas - Spirou Charleroi

Belgium NT wins the first two in Brussels - by Eurobasket News
Belgium NT wins the first two in Brussels over the African representatives before heading to Dallas and Toronto for the preparation to Eurobasket 2011. Belgium overcame Ivory Coast 78:66. The hosts started with 24-15 and never looked behind after. Both teams nailed 17 points each as the board showed 9-point advantage for the European team. Ivory Coast won the third quarter 21-18 to reduce to 6 points, but the hosts added 19-13 in the last stanza to seal the victory.
In the second game Belgium outscored Central Africa 85:82. The first half belonged the home side that grabbed 47:38 at the end of two periods. The team from Africa player better in the second half and reduce to 3 points at the end, but could not win. Jean-Marc Mwema (195-F-89) top-scored for the winners with 16 points and Maxime De Zeeuw (205-F-87, agency: LBM Management) netted 15. Quentin Serron (190-G-90) followed them with 10 points for the win.


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  BOSNIA   


U16: Bosnia and Herzegovina hand Belgium their first loss - by Eurobasket News
Bosnia and Herzegovina U16-Belgium U16 80:71

Bosnia and Herzegovina hand Belgium their first loss at the U16 European Championship in Division B. The Bosnian team improved to 2-0 record after 80:71 win. Bosnia and Herzegovina dropped at 1-2 on the third place in Group D.
Bosnia and Herzegovina and Belgium entered the game undefeated. Bosnia took 24-16 in the first period and added 22-17 for 46:33 halftime deficit. Belgium however erupted with 22-7 in the third quarter as Sam Hemeleers (179-G-95) closed it for 55:53. Romain Boxus (194-F-96) tied the game at 61:61 and then Bosnia won the rest of the game with 19-10 run.
Adi Zahiragic (185-PG-95) notched 22 points to lead the charge in the game and Nedim Buza (201-F-95) collected 16 points and 11 boards. Bojan Lulic (196-F-95) netted 12, while Edi Sipka (197-F-95) posted 10. Romain Boxus finished the game with 16 points and Sam Hemeleers added 11.

Bosnia and Herzegovina U16: Adi Zahiragic 22, Nedim Buza 16+11 rebs, Bojan Lulic 12, Edi Sipka 10
Belgium U16: Romain Boxus 16, Sam Hemeleers 11


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  BRAZIL   


Renan Custodio transfer to Carroll College - by Paulo Freire
Carroll College men's basketball coach Brandon Veltri announces the signing of Utah State University/College of Eastern Utah (USU/CEU) sophomore Renan Custodio (203-F-89).

Renan, a 6-foot-8 forward originally from Criciuma, Brazil, played the last two seasons for Scenic West powerhouse USU/CEU. During his freshman season he played alongside current Carroll College Saint Tony Dalton. In his time at USU/CEU, Renan helped the Screaming Eagles win 45 games and advance to the 2009 NJCAA National Semi-Finals. In his sophomore season Renan shot 48 percent from the floor including 41percent from three, scoring 6.3 PPG. Renan's 41 percent three point shooting this past season earned him the fourth best average in the conference.

'We expect big things from Renan,' Veltri said. 'Renan has great size and shoots the ball as well as any player in our program. At 6'8 Renan is not only a great perimeter shooter but also an efficient player around the rim. He is extremely versatile and will hopefully be a tough assignment for opposing teams. He has the size, skill level and athleticism which should help us compete against the best teams in the Frontier Conference as well as the top NAIA programs across the country.'

Renan transfers a 3.6 GPA after completing his associates degree from USU/CEU.

The Carroll men's basketball team finished this past season with a 23-9 record, a Frontier Conference Championship, and advanced to the NAIA sweet 16. The Saints return 10 of their top 12 players from this past season.

Rafael Maia transfer to Brown University - by Paulo Freire
Brown mens basketball coach Jesse Agel has announced a Brazilian freshman in the recruitment class that will enter the school this year.

6-9 center Rafael Maia (201-F/C-91) averaged a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds as a senior at Maine Central Institute, the NEPSAC Prep School champion. He was team captain of the Under-16, Under-17 and Under-18 Brazilian national team over the last three seasons.

Before playing for the Maine Central Institute, Rafael Maia was a member of Paulistano basketball team in Brazil.

Brown University is a member of the NCAA and the Ivy League.

Araraquara sign Cicero Gonzaga and Thiago Pereira - by Paulo Freire
Araraquara basketball still looking to rebuild their team.

The new signs of the team are Cicero Gonzaga (202-F-86, college: NE Oklahoma A&M CC, agency: Garra Sports Marketing) and Thiago Pereira (188-G-82).

Thiago was playing in Rio Claro and also have played for Sao Jose dos Campos and Mogi das Cruzes in the past. He will be a way to go guy with Edu Oliveira.

Cicero Gonzaga came from Assis Basket, the player can be use in as a forward or a small forward and will be a good part of the team system.



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  BULGARIA   


Bulgaria nip Denmark to win title in Varna - by Eurobasket News
Bulgaria U18 - Denmark U18 70:68

Bulgaria recorded victory at the U18 European Championship in Division B. The hosts overcame Denmark in the title game tonight. Dimitar Dimitrov (202-F-93) stepped up with 14 points and 10 rebounds to pace the winners.
Bulgaria grabbed the lead early in the game. They stayed in charge throughout the opening quarter posting a 24:17 lead at the first break. Bulgaria maintained the advantage throughout the second quarter. They registered a 41:27 halftime advantage. Denmark stopped the rot in the third frame. They limited the home team to just 11 points to narrow the gap at 12 points with one quarter left. Denmark cut the deficit to a single point 67:68 with five seconds to go. Aleks Simeonov (200-F-93) answered with two free throws for Bulgaria to boost the margin to three points. Olsen got fouled and converted just one free as Bulgaria celebrated the victory and title in Varna. Tencho Tenchev (202-F-93) and Aleks Simeonov netted 12 points each for Bulgaria. Peter Moeller (186-G-94) responded with 15 points, 6 boards and 4 assists. Kevin Larsen (201-F-93) produced 14 points and 14 boards in the loss.

Bulgaria U18: Dimitar Dimitrov 14+10 boards, Tencho Tenchev 12, Aleks Simeonov 12
Denmark U18: Peter Moeller 15, Kevin Larsen 14+14 boards


Italy edge Bulgaria to win Trofeo Gianatti - by Eurobasket News
Italy - Bulgaria 80:74

Italy clinched Trofeo Gianatti as they outgunned Bulgaria in the title game. Danilo Gallinari (205-G/F-88, agency: Players Group) stepped up with 20 points to lead the Azzurri.
Italy stormed into this one. They erupted for 28 points in the opening quarter to build a 9-point lead at the first break. Bulgaria managed to slow down their opponents in the second period. The visitors cut the deficit at 5-point mark at the interval 35:40. But Italy regained control in the third stanza. The hosts arrived at the final break leading by as many as 12 points. Bulgaria went on a desperate comeback rally in the final term and nearly succeeded. They got within striking distance but Italy hung on to celebrate victory at the end. Marco Belinelli (196-G-86) provided 19 points, while Marco Cusin (211-C-85, agency: Interperformances) added 11 points in the win. Filip Videnov (196-F/G-80, agency: Interperformances, college: W.Kentucky) responded with 18 points for Bulgaria. Dejan Ivanov (205-F/C-86, agency: Beo Basket) accounted for 12 points and 9 rebounds in defeat.

Italy: Danilo Gallinari 20, Marco Belinelli 19, Marco Cusin 11
Bulgaria: Filip Videnov 18, Dejan Ivanov 12


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  CANADA   


FYR Macedonia prevail against Canada in Bormio - by Eurobasket News
FYR Macedonia - Canada 72:65

FYR Macedonia wrapped up their Trofeo Giannati tournament campaign with victory. They held off Canada to finish in the third position. Kiril Nikolovski (210-C-88) scored 14 points to lead the charge. Canada suffered the second loss in a row.
Canada got to a slightly better start. They recorded 17:15 lead after ten minutes. The North American team maintained the advantage as they arrived at halftime up by 7 points 38:31. But FYR Macedonia changed the complexion of the encounter after the big break. They stiffened their defence limiting Canada to only 8 points in the third term. FYR Macedonia got within a single point with one quarter to go. The European team fired 27 points in the fourth stanza to rally to the victory at the end. Dejan Stojanovski (184-G-79) provided 12 points, while Vlado Ilievski (190-G-80, agency: World Sport Agency) added 11 in the winning effort. Levon Kendall (209-F-84, college: Pittsburgh) responded with 13 points for Canada. Aaron Doornekamp (198-F-85, agency: Interperformances) and Jesse Young (207-C-80, college: George Mason) netted 12 points each in defeat.

FYR Macedonia: Kiril Nikolovski 14, Dejan Stojanovski 12, Vlado Ilievski 11
Canada: Levon Kendall 13, Aaron Doornekamp 12, Jesse Young 12


Halifax, Saint John, Quebec release protected lists - by Eurobasket News
The three teams that can shield players from their new partners in the National Basketball League of Canada have submitted their protected lists to the league office.

The Halifax Rainmen, Saint John Mill Rats and Quebec Kebs - the NBLs founding franchises - are permitted to protect five players each from their 2010-11 season in the Premier Basketball League, keeping them off limits to the four other clubs in an Aug. 21 draft and for several weeks afterward.

Rainmen owner Andre Levingston, the NBLs interim president, and Mill Rats president and general manager Ian McCarthy, its interim chief operating officer, confirmed Saturday night the 15 players whose teams will have exclusive negotiating rights with them until Oct. 1.

The Kebs will protect forward Quinnel Brown (198-G/F-83, college: Auburn), the 2010-11 PBL MVP, along with guard Royce Parron and three former Rainmen: centre Aaron Spears, guard Tommy Mitchell and forward Cordell Jeanty.

The Mill Rats list of untouchables consists of guards Anthony Anderson (180-G-81, college: Massachusetts), Dwuan Rice and Marc Egerson, and forwards Steve DeLuca and Ross Demasi.

The Rainmen are protecting guards Taliek Brown (186-G-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Connecticut) and Trayvon Lathan, forwards Josh Dollard and Eric Crookshank, and centre DeAndre Thomas.

The first round of the inaugural NBL draft is limited to free agent players, while the second and third rounds are for Canadian players only. Each NBL team has to carry at least two Canadians on its 10- to 12-man roster.

The Rainmen have the sixth selection in the draft. Oshawa will choose first, followed by the P.E.I. franchise, London and Moncton. The Mill Rats pick fifth and the Kebs seventh.

Courtesy of http://thechronicleherald.ca

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  CHINA   


CBA won't allow active NBA players to sign out-clauses? - by Eurobasket News
Since the NBA lockout started on July 1st, a host of NBA superstars have been considering China as a potential landing spot if the work stoppage drags on past the start of the season. If only China was considering NBA players.

Earlier this afternoon, Sina Sports, quoting an anonymous figure connected to the CBA, reported that the Chinese Basketball Association is planning to institute two special new rules for next season in response to the ever-growing list of NBA players who have declared interest towards playing in China: First, teams will not be allowed to include an out-clause into any contract with an active NBA player and second, that each team will be allowed to sign only one active NBA player.

Said the anonymous source, The CBA isn't the NBA's backyard. If we didnt make a rule about players playing here temporarily, then theyd all just leave in the middle of the season. That would affect our season greatly.

As of yet, the CBA has not responded to the story. Any official announcement over new CBA rules is unlikely to come before the leagues committee convenes for a policy meeting in August.

If the CBA indeed goes ahead with the new rules, then its unlikely that any big stars will come here to play next season. Up to this point, all player interest has been based around signing an out-clause, a stipulation which would allow a player to return immediately to the NBA whenever the lockout ends. Any rule forcing an active NBA player to play a full year in China would essentially kill all interest from players currently under contract.

The CBAs reasoning behind such a rule serves as a stark reminder as to how the Chinese government views basketball within the national political framework. Whereas the NBA operates in the U.S. as an independent business, the CBA is run by the government and thus has an agenda based on other things than profitability. At the top of that agenda for the Chinese is the long-term development of basketball in China and the success of the Chinese national team. Having a national team that can compete against the best the world has to offer serves as a way for China to gain international glory while also boosting nationalism within its own borders. The relationship between raising Chinas international athletic reputation and promoting national pride is a vital interest for the Chinese government, who put a strong emphasis on nationalism as a way to maintain stability.

So although welcoming an NBA superstar to China sounds good on the surface, both for NBA-crazed fans and teams bottom line, the impact on the long-term development of Chinese would be minimal at best. Investing lots of money in players just to see them pack up and leave would not help the CBAs goals in any way. If a player left mid-season to back to the States, teams would be left with few options to replace him, which is a concern that some teams also have.

I think trying to attract superstar players to the league isnt a good thing, said Zhejiang Guangsha general manager, Ye Xiangyu, who was also quoted in the Sina article. Once they leave [back to the NBA], there wont be any players left on the market. That would affect a team across all aspects.

Last year, Guangsha signed former NBA players Javaris Crittenton and Rafer Alston to deals, only to see the both of them leave the team within two weeks of signing.

China is a considered a top destination for players during the lockout. Though the league itself isnt very good from a talent standpoint, the money is typically better than in Europe. But, that is a relatively small incentive for established NBA players who have contracts worth far more than any Chinese team can offer. Chinas biggest advantage over the rest of the world is the size of its basketball market, which is estimated to be between 300 and 400 million people. Signing a deal in China would give a player unprecedented opportunities to sign endorsement deals and engage in other profitable commercial ventures.

But, none of that can happen without first playing in a Chinese stadium. And if this new rule indeed goes through in August, then you can count all of that still just a dream.

Courtesy of www.niubball.com

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  CROATIA   


U18: France topple Croatia to finish 7th in Wroclaw - by Eurobasket News
France U18 - Croatia U18 80:61

France celebrated victory on the final day of the U18 European Championship in Poland. Les Bleus outscored Croatia to claim the seventh overall position. Mouhammadou Jaiteh (206-C-94) stepped up with 18 points and 17 rebounds to pace the winners.
France pulled in front early in the game and maintained the lead throughout the starting quarter. They ensured an 18:14 lead after ten minutes. Croatia opened the second term with seven points in a row to pull ahead. Croatia did not allow their opponents to deny the deficit rallying to a 44:37 halftime lead. Croatia stayed in front in the third term despite France being within striking distance for the better part of the frame. William Howard (201-F-93) converted a pair of three-pointers early in the final quarter to put France on top. France soon went on a deadly 17:0 run to run away for good in this one. Jean-Charles Livio (204-F/C-93) provided 17 points, while William Howard added 16 points in the win. Matej Buovac (198-G/F-93) and Mislav Brzoja (198-F/G-94) responded with 12 points each for Croatia. Josip Mikulic (210-F-93) delivered 11 points in the loss.

France U18: Mouhammadou Jaiteh 18+17 boards, Jean-Charles Livio 17, William Howard 16
Croatia U18: Matej Buovac 12, Mislav Brzoja 12, Josip Mikulic 11


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  CYPRUS   


U16: Finland remained Cyprus without victories - by Eurobasket News
Cyprus U16-Finland U16 57:69

Finland remained Cyprus without victories at the U16 European Championship in Division B. The Scandinavian team improved to 2-1 record after 69:57 win in Saturday. Cyprus suffered the third straight loss in Strumica.
It was a defensive start and both teams scored 9 points each in the first period. Finland created a 9-0 run in the start of the second frame and grabbed 18:11 lead when Ozan Odabasi (196-C-95) , Shawn Hopkins (192-G/F-95) and Niemisto scored from the arc. Viktoras Ieronymidis (198-F-95) closed the half at 29:17 as Finland won the quarter 20-8. The third quarter became decisive as the Scandinavian team added 28-15 for the confident lead. Shawn Hopkins was the last to score in the third period for 57:32. Cyprus played better in the last stanza and after 25-12 reduced to 12 points at the end.
Shawn Hopkins poured in 19 points to lead the charge, while Emir Sulejmanovic (203-C/F-95) supported him with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Ozan Odabasi collected 10 points and 11 caroms and Jere Valtonen (185-PG-95) netted 8.

Cyprus U16: Antreas Christodoulou (193-G-95) 28, Viktoras Ieronymidis 15
Finland U16: Shawn Hopkins 19, Emir Sulejmanovic 12+10 rebs, Ozan Odabasi 10+11 rebs, Jere Valtonen 8


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  CZECH REPUBLIC   


U18: Ukraine sent Czech Republic to Division B - by Eurobasket News
Ukraine U18- Czech Republic U18 87:73

Ukraine sent Czech Republic to Division B of the U18 European Championship for 2012. Ukraine beat them 88:73 and won the Classification Round for 13-16 places. Czech Republic won and lost two games to finish on the 15th spot and as well as Finland will be eliminated to the lower Division.
Ukraine won the opening period 23-21 and added massive 27-18 in the second period. Vladimir Gerun (206-C-94) made two free throws for 50:39 after the first 20 minutes in the court. Ukraine also won the third quarter 23-14 to increase to 20 points entering the last stanza. Czech Republic replied with 20-14 in the last stanza to reduce to 14 points.
Vladimir Gerun paced all the winners with 25 points and 10 rebounds, while Klym Artamonov (176-PG-93) followed him with 24. Illya Zhukovsky (190-F-93) scored 12 and Anatoliy Shundel (199-F-93) posted 10. Tomas Kyzlink (197-F/G-93) answered with 16 points in defeat and Jan Svandrlik (196-F-94) nailed 13. Petr Herman (204-C-94) produced 12, while Michal Bernath (200-F-93) delivered 11.

Ukraine U18: Vladimir Gerun 25+10 rebs, Klym Artamonov 24, Illya Zhukovsky 12, Anatoliy Shundel 10
Czech Republic U18: Tomas Kyzlink 16, Jan Svandrlik 13 Petr Herman 12, Michal Bernath 11


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  DENMARK   


Naestved add Jordan Glynn - by Eurobasket News
Naestved bolstered their frontcourt. They agreed on terms of contract with Jordan Glynn (200-F-89, agency: I.D.S. Law). The 22-year-old forward will start his professional career in Denmark. Jordan Glynn has just graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University. He tallied 11.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game in his senior season. Jordan Glynn made it into All-Southland Conference 2nd Team.


U16: Israel march past Denmark - by Eurobasket News
Israel U16 -Denmark U16 80:59

Israel registered the second straight win at the U16 European Championship in Division B. They stormed past Denmark for 2-0 record in Group D. Naor Sharon (191-PG-95) stepped up with 13 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds to lead the winners. Denmark slipped at 0-3 record after the loss.
Israel opened the game with a 9:0 run. They stayed in charge throughout the opening quarter posting a 23:8 lead at the first break. The margin just kept on growing in the second quarter. Israel recorded a 46:25 halftime advantage. Israel did not allow Denmark any closer in the third frame. Natan Cohen team headed into the fourth quarter up by 22 points and never looked back en route to the victory. Yochai Zuckerman (183-G-95) produced 12 points, while Or Cahal (190-F-95) notched 11 points in the victory. Aladdin Barakeh (190-F-95) responded with 15 points for Denmark. Martin Rasmussen (189-G-95) and Rasmus Hansen (203-C/F-95) notched 12 points apiece in the loss.

Israel U16: Naor Sharon 13, Yochai Zuckerman 12, Or Cahal 11
Denmark U16: Aladdin Barakeh 15, Martin Rasmussen 12, Rasmus Hansen 12+11 boards


Bulgaria nip Denmark to win title in Varna - by Eurobasket News
Bulgaria U18 - Denmark U18 70:68

Bulgaria recorded victory at the U18 European Championship in Division B. The hosts overcame Denmark in the title game tonight. Dimitar Dimitrov (202-F-93) stepped up with 14 points and 10 rebounds to pace the winners.
Bulgaria grabbed the lead early in the game. They stayed in charge throughout the opening quarter posting a 24:17 lead at the first break. Bulgaria maintained the advantage throughout the second quarter. They registered a 41:27 halftime advantage. Denmark stopped the rot in the third frame. They limited the home team to just 11 points to narrow the gap at 12 points with one quarter left. Denmark cut the deficit to a single point 67:68 with five seconds to go. Aleks Simeonov (200-F-93) answered with two free throws for Bulgaria to boost the margin to three points. Olsen got fouled and converted just one free as Bulgaria celebrated the victory and title in Varna. Tencho Tenchev (202-F-93) and Aleks Simeonov netted 12 points each for Bulgaria. Peter Moeller (186-G-94) responded with 15 points, 6 boards and 4 assists. Kevin Larsen (201-F-93) produced 14 points and 14 boards in the loss.

Bulgaria U18: Dimitar Dimitrov 14+10 boards, Tencho Tenchev 12, Aleks Simeonov 12
Denmark U18: Peter Moeller 15, Kevin Larsen 14+14 boards


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  D-LEAGUE   


Shane Edwards joins Verona - by Eurobasket News
Shane Edwards (201-F-87, college: UALR) will continue his career in Italy. The American forward signed a deal with Tezenis Verona and it will be his first year overseas. Edwards spent last season with the NBA D-League team New Mexico Thunderbirds. In 45 games he averaged 16.7 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists. He participated at the D-League All-Star game and was named Gatorade All-D-League Honorable Mention -11. During the summer, Edwards worked out with the San Antonio Spurs and Chicago Bulls. Season 2009/10, Shane Edwards spent with Albuquerque Thunderbirds. They also competed in D-Legaue. For 39 games that season Edwards had 12.7 ppg and 5.3 rpg. He graduated at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 2009.

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  ESTONIA   


The National Team of Belarus became the winner of the Aerosvit Cup in Kiev - by Eurobasket News
Belarus-Estonia 70:72

The National Team of Belarus became the winner of the Aerosvit Cup in Kiev. The team lost the last game to Estonia 70:72 but had a better points difference. Belarus, Ukraine and Estonia finished with 2-1 records, while Belarus triumphed with a 2-point margin.
Estonia shocked the opponents with 28-9 in the first frame, but Belarus replied with 21-15 in the second period. Moreover Belarus added massive 28-13 in the third quarter and did not mind 12-16 in the last stanza.
Pavel Ulyanko (204-F/C-79) posted 18 points to lead all the winners, while Dzianis Korshuk (201-F-78, agency: Agency No 10) netted 13. Artsiom Parakhouski (211-C-87, college: Radford) posted 12, while Aliaksei Trastsinetski (201-F-86) scored 9. Kristjan Kangur (202-F-82) ended up with 20 points and 8 rebounds in the losing effort and Viderman as well as Gregor Arbet (194-F/G-83) posted 12 each.
Pavel Ulyanko became MVP of the tournament. Kristjan Kangur was named the best Forward, while his teammate Sokk became the best Guard. Ukrainian Kravtsov received the best Center Award.

Belarus: Pavel Ulyanko 18, Dzianis Korshuk 13, Artsiom Parakhouski 12, Aliaksei Trastsinetski 9
Estonia: Kristjan Kangur 20+8 rebs, Viderman 12, Gregor Arbet 12


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  EUROBASKET SUMMER LEAGUE   


ESL New York City Schedule - Final Day - by Darryl Reshaw
The ESL 2011 New York City Event has been a marvelous competition during the first two days.
There is a lot of outstanding talent at Saint Peters College.

Game Reports and Box Scores will will uploaded on the web site at the conclusion of the event.

ESL 2011 New York City Schedule:

Friday July 29th:

11am: 1pm: Registration and Orientation (Saint Peters College Auxiliary Gym)

1pm: 3pm: ESL Team Practices (Auxiliary Gym)

ESL Game Schedule (Friday, July 29th) - (Yanitelli Center)

Game 1: 3:30pm Budapest 84 vs. Helsinki 87
Game 2: 5:00pm Istanbul 97 vs. Kiev 83
Game 3: 6:30pm Moscow 99 vs. Prague 81
Game 4: 8:00pm Riga 93 vs. Stockholm 90

ESL Game Schedule (Saturday, July 30th) (Yanitelli Center)

Game 5: 10:00am Helsinki 79 vs. Istanbul 88
Game 6: 11:30am Budapest 83 vs. Kiev 71
Game 7: 1:00pm Moscow 68 vs. Riga 77
Game 8: 2:30pm Prague 83 vs. Stockholm 84

ESL Game Schedule (Sunday, July 31th) - (Yanitelli Center)

Game 9: 10:00am Budapest vs. Stockholm 5th Place
Game 10: 11:30am Helsinki vs. Moscow 3rd Place
Game 11: 1:00pm Istanbul vs. Riga - Championship
Game 12: 2:30pm Kiev vs. Prague 7th Place

For additional Information please email marketing@eurobasket.com


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  EUROLEAGUE   


Cholet adds Derrick Byars - by Eurobasket News
Cholet announced signing of Derrick Byars (202-G/F-84, agency: Beo Basket, college: Vanderbilt) for the next season. The American G/SF heads to France from the NBA D-League team Bakersfield Jam, where he finished last season. He appeared 33 times for the club averaging 17.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2 assists. Byars started last season with Panellinios Athens. He had 15.2 ppg, 6.2 rpg and 1.6 apg for five games, after what they parted ways. Season 2009/10, Derrick Byars spent with ALBA Berlin. He had 8.5 ppg and 2.5 rpg for 31 German league games. He also added 7.7 ppg and 2.2 rpg in EuroCup that season. In the past, Byars was a member of Roanne and Koln. He is a product of the Vanderbilt University.

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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U16   


Division B. Results and Stats from Day 3 in Strumica - by Eurobasket News
Group A
United Kingdom - Georgia 69-58
England registered the third consecutive win at the U16 European Championship in Division B. They prevailed against Georgia to remain on top of Group A. Luke Nelson (185-PG-95) stepped up with 16 points to pace the winners. Georgia fell at 1-1 record after the defeat. England overwhelmed their opponents in the first half. They built a comfortable 27:11 lead after ten minutes of action. England stayed in charge in the second period posting a 45:21 halftime lead. But Georgia managed to slow their opponents down in the third quarter. Georgia cut the deficit to just 9 points with one quarter remaining 43:52. Liluashvili dragged Georgia within 8 points midway through the final period. However Luke Nelson came up with key five points in a row as England ran away for the victory at the end. Tamas Okros (F-95) provided 12 points, while Tyrell Isaacs netted 11 points in the win. Nugzar Abuladze (182-G-95) responded with 12 points for Georgia. Ucha Gamreklidze (200-C-95) and Kakhaber Tomaradze provided 10 points each in the loss.

FYR Macedonia - Romania 62-68
Romania opened win count at the U16 European Championship in Division B. They held off FYR Macedonia for 1-2 record in Group A. Mehmet Hortoglu (194-F-95) delivered 20 points to lead the effort. The hosts in the meantime suffered the second loss in a row. Romania stunned their opponents in the opening quarter. The visitors went on a 21:10 run to build a comfortable lead. FYR Macedonia erupted for 25 points in the second quarter to narrow the deficit. The hosts went on a 7:0 run to surge ahead 42:41 early in the third frame. The lead changed hands throughout the period before Romania snatched a 53:50 advantage at the final break. FYR Macedonia surged back in front midway through the fourth quarter 61:59. But Hurtoglu triggered a 9:1 rally from Romania as they snatched victory. Vlad Cobzaru (203-C-95) tallied 17 points and 10 rebounds for Romania. Bogdan Pogacean (197-C-95) netted 8 points in the winning effort. Daniel Nacevski responded with 13 points and 13 rebounds for FYR Macedonia. Stefan Trajkovski (186-G-95) had 12 points in the loss.

Group B
Holland - Austria 90-48
Netherlands demolish Austrian side in Day 3 of the U16 European Championship in Division B. The Dutch side smashed the opponents 90:48 for 3-0 record on top of Group B. Austria meanwhile lost the third straight game and shares the bottom with Cyprus. Netherlands was the favorite of the game and started offensively. They reached 28-16 at the end of the first period and never looked behind after. Moreover 22-8 in the second frame brought them 50:25 halftime advantage. Netherlands also won the third period 18-17 to increase to 26 point after thirty minutes in the court. Another 22-6 in the last stanza was too much for the opponents. Bas Veenstra (204-F-95) paced all the winners with 20 points, while Hogervorst netted 17. Willem Brandwijk (204-F-95) poured in 14 and Daan Rosenmuller (193-F-95) added 12. Wolf replied with 12 points in defeat and Pelc scored 8.

Cyprus - Finland 57-69
Finland remained Cyprus without victories at the U16 European Championship in Division B. The Scandinavian team improved to 2-1 record after 69:57 win in Saturday. Cyprus suffered the third straight loss in Strumica. It was a defensive start and both teams scored 9 points each in the first period. Finland created a 9-0 run in the start of the second frame and grabbed 18:11 lead when Odabasi , Shawn Hopkins (192-G/F-95) and Henri Niemisto (185-G-96) scored from the arc. Ieronymidis closed the half at 29:17 as Finland won the quarter 20-8. The third quarter became decisive as the Scandinavian team added 28-15 for the confident lead. Shawn Hopkins was the last to score in the third period for 57:32. Cyprus played better in the last stanza and after 25-12 reduced to 12 points at the end. Shawn Hopkins poured in 19 points to lead the charge, while Emir Sulejmanovic (203-C/F-95) supported him with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Odabasi collected 10 points and 11 caroms and Valtonen netted 8.

Portugal - Slovenia 51-59
Slovenia remains undefeated in Strumica at the U16 European Championship in Division B. The team won over Portugal 59:51 for 3-0 record on top. The latter meanwhile dropped to 1-2 record on the 4th position. Both teams scored 15 points in the opening frame, but Portugal could not score for the first 4 minutes in the start of the second period. Nikolic brought 18:15 , while Francisco Amiel (186-PG-96) tied the game at 24:24. Moreira gave Portugal 28:26 at the halftime when the teams disappeared in the lockers. Slovenia needed two victories in the second half to clinch the win. At first they produced defensive 14-9 in the third period and won the game due to 19-14 in the last. Matic Rebec (179-PG-95) stepped up with 16 points for the winners and Nikolic notched 12. Jure Ritlop (202-F-95) chipped in 10 and Rogelija added 5. Gameiro and Isaias Insaly (197-F/C-95) ended up with 11 points each as the latter also grabbed 17 rebounds.

Group C
Slovakia - Hungary 48-69
Hungary grabbed 3-0 record in Group C of the U16 European Championship in Division B. They edged Slovak Republic 69:48 in Strumica in day 3 of the tournament. The latter fell at 0-3 record in the group. Both teams nailed 12 points each in the opening period to set up the tone in the game. Slovak Republic surprised the opponents with 14-12 in the second frame, to take 2-points halftime advantage. The second half however completely belonged to Hungary. They won the third period 20-7 and added 25-15 in the last stanza. David Boinitzer (196-F-95) brought the last points for the winning side. Laszlo Fulop (199-F-95) led the way with 14 points and Ban added 13. Eric Vrana (189-G-95) finished the night with 12 points and Velkey scored 10. Matej Baluch (192-F-95) delivered 18 points in the losing case and Hlivak had 9.

Armenia - Sweden 79-85
Sweden wins over Armenia for the second win in Group C of the U16 European Championship in Division B. The Scandinavian team won 85:79 and improved to 2-1 record. Armenia suffered the second loss and dropped to 1-2 record. It was the game for the second victory in the tournament and both teams desired to improve to the positive record. Sweden started with 18-16 as Johansson made a free throw at the end of the quarter. The second period was a nightmare for Armenia that failed with 13-29. The latter tried to catch up with the opponents in the second half but could not tie the game. Armenia won the third period 28-20 and added 22-18 in the last stanza, but lost by 6 points. Hakanson paced all the winners with 19 points, while Kovacek added 13. Mondolfi and David Terins (192-G-95) followed them with 9 points apiece for the second victory. Vladimir Radivoevich (95) replied with 24 points and massive 18 rebounds in defeat and Andrey Konstantinov (95) scored 19. Pogosyan nailed 18, whilst Mkrtychyan delivered 9.

Switzerland - Ireland 65-47
Switzerland handles Ireland to stay perfect at the U16 European Championship in Division B. The Swiss side needed 65:47 for 3-0 record on top of Group C. Ireland meanwhile dropped to 0-3 record on the bottom of the group. Switzerland opened the game with 18-13 as Randon Gruninger (190-F-95) closed the first period. They added 17-11 in the second period for 35:24 advantage after the first two quarters. The third quarter brought 20-8 on the board that totaled to 55:32 after thirty minutes. Ireland managed to win the last frame 15-10 and reduced to 18 points at the very end. Mathias Tolusso (186-G-95) and Randon Gruninger stepped up with 15 points each for the winners to remain perfect. Bachler netted 9, while Cotture collected 8 points and 10 rebounds. Carr ended up with 10 points and 12 rebounds for Ireland and Lyons added 9.

Group D
Bosnia - Belgium 80-71
Bosnia and Herzegovina hand Belgium their first loss at the U16 European Championship in Division B. The Bosnian team improved to 2-0 record after 80:71 win. Bosnia and Herzegovina dropped at 1-2 on the third place in Group D. Bosnia and Herzegovina and Belgium entered the game undefeated. Bosnia took 24-16 in the first period and added 22-17 for 46:33 halftime deficit. Belgium however erupted with 22-7 in the third quarter as Hemeleers closed it for 55:53. Romain Boxus (194-F-96) tied the game at 61:61 and then Bosnia won the rest of the game with 19-10 run. Adi Zahiragic (185-PG-95) notched 22 points to lead the charge in the game and Nedim Buza (201-F-95) collected 16 points and 11 boards. Lulic netted 12, while Sipka posted 10. Romain Boxus finished the game with 16 points and Hemeleers added 11.

Denmark - Israel 59-80
Israel registered the second straight win at the U16 European Championship in Division B. They stormed past Denmark for 2-0 record in Group D. Naor Sharon stepped up with 13 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds to lead the winners. Denmark slipped at 0-3 record after the loss. Israel opened the game with a 9:0 run. They stayed in charge throughout the opening quarter posting a 23:8 lead at the first break. The margin just kept on growing in the second quarter. Israel recorded a 46:25 halftime advantage. Israel did not allow Denmark any closer in the third frame. Natan Cohen team headed into the fourth quarter up by 22 points and never looked back en route to the victory. Yochai Zuckerman (183-G-95) produced 12 points, while Or Cahal notched 11 points in the victory. Aladdin Barakeh (190-F-95) responded with 15 points for Denmark. Martin Rasmussen (189-G-95) and Rasmus Hansen notched 12 points apiece in the loss.



M-Standings - Group B
Standings Div.B
Group A
1. U.Kingdom4-0
2. Georgia2-1
3. Luxembourg.1-2
4. Romania1-2
5. FYR Macedo.0-3
Group B
1. Slovenia4-0
2. Holland3-1
3. Portugal2-2
4. Finland2-2
5. Cyprus1-3
6. Austria0-4
Group C
1. Hungary4-0
2. Switzerlan.3-1
3. Sweden3-1
4. Armenia2-2
5. Slovakia0-4
6. Ireland0-4
Group D
1. Bosnia3-0
2. Belgium2-1
3. Israel2-1
4. Estonia1-2
5. Denmark0-4


Stats Leaders - Group B
Points Per Game
 Ludvig HAKANSON
  (187-PG-96)
  Avg: 22.5
 1. Hakanson, SWE22.5 
 2. Christodoulo., CYP22.0 
 3. Grun, LUX21.0 
 4. Baluch, SVK17.7 
 5. Hortoglu, ROM17.3 
 6. Sharon, ISR16.7 
 7. Abuladze, GEO16.7 
 8. Buza, BIH16.3 
 9. Veenstra, NED16.0 
 10. Konstantinov, ARM15.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Vlad COBZARU
  (203-C-95)
  Avg: 13
 1. Cobzaru, ROM13.0 
 2. Insaly, POR12.0 
 3. Radivoevich, ARM10.8 
 4. Okoroh, ENG10.0 
 5. Ciordas, ROM9.7 
 6. Ritlop, SLO9.3 
 7. Odabasi, FIN9.3 
 8. Darakhvelidz., GEO9.0 
 9. Cotture, SUI8.8 
 10. Carroll, IRL8.8 
Assists Per Game
 Naor SHARON
  (191-PG-95)
  Avg: 6.3
 1. Sharon, ISR6.3 
 2. Nemcok, SVK5.7 
 3. Perl, HUN4.7 
 4. Zahiragic, BIH4.0 
 5. Mehic, SUI4.0 
 6. Nikolic, SLO3.8 
 7. Zanzuri, ISR3.7 
 8. Abuladze, GEO3.7 
 9. Soluade, ENG3.5 
 10. Hakanson, SWE3.5 
Steals Per Game
 Ludvig HAKANSON
  (187-PG-96)
  Avg: 4.5
 1. Hakanson, SWE4.5 
 2. Soluade, ENG4.0 
 3. Papacostas, CYP3.3 
 4. Ieronymidis, CYP3.0 
 5. Christodoulo., CYP3.0 
 6. Olmre, EST3.0 
 7. Zahiragic, BIH2.7 
 8. Hemeleers, BEL2.7 
 9. Nemcok, SVK2.7 
 10. Grun, LUX2.7 
Blocks Per Game
 Kingsley OKOROH
  (212-C-95)
  Avg: 5
 1. Okoroh, ENG5.0 
 2. Puluzashvili, GEO2.7 
 3. Cotture, SUI2.5 
 4. Cobzaru, ROM2.3 
 5. Goloman, HUN2.0 
 6. Sagula, SVK1.7 
 7. Soluade, ENG1.3 
 8. Buza, BIH1.3 
 9. Ritlop, SLO1.3 
 10. Sulejmanovic, FIN1.3 


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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U18   


Stats Leader
Points Per Game
 Chris NDOW
  (195-F/G-93)
  Avg: 23
 1. Ndow, NOR23.0 
 2. Bojanovsky, SVK22.0 
 3. Ivanov, BUL18.3 
 4. Solomon, ISR17.5 
 5. Borg, SWE17.0 
 6. Ivanovic, MNT16.8 
 7. Olah, ROM16.7 
 8. N''Dumba-C., SUI15.7 
 9. Reinholt, DEN15.5 
 10. Polfer, LUX14.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Clint N''DUMBA-CAPELA
  SUI
  (202-F-94)
  Avg: 15.7
 1. N''Dumba-C., SUI15.7 
 2. Olah, ROM14.0 
 3. Bojanovsky, SVK13.3 
 4. Burjanadze, GEO11.7 
 5. Filip, ROM10.3 
 6. Magarity, SWE9.0 
 7. Larsen, DEN8.8 
 8. Mollekens, BEL8.3 
 9. Solomon, ISR8.3 
 10. Eliasson, SWE8.1 
Assists Per Game
 Simon KRAJCOVIC
  (185-G-94)
  Avg: 7.4
 1. Krajcovic, SVK7.4 
 2. Cristiean, ROM5.7 
 3. Kasalica, MNT4.8 
 4. Ventura, POR4.7 
 5. Karamfilov, BUL4.4 
 6. Ivanovic, MNT4.0 
 7. Maayan, ISR4.0 
 8. Person, SWE3.9 
 9. Spencer, ENG3.7 
 10. Filip, ROM3.6 
Steals Per Game
 Simon KRAJCOVIC
  (185-G-94)
  Avg: 5.6
 1. Krajcovic, SVK5.6 
 2. Laane, EST3.8 
 3. Wilk, AUT3.0 
 4. Borg, SWE3.0 
 5. Jakab, HUN3.0 
 6. Ndow, NOR2.7 
 7. Ivanovic, MNT2.6 
 8. Gvozden, AUT2.4 
 9. Reinholt, DEN2.4 
 10. Menco, ISR2.4 
Blocks Per Game
 Boris BOJANOVSKY
  SVK
  (215-C-93)
  Avg: 4.2
 1. Bojanovsky, SVK4.2 
 2. Magarity, SWE3.9 
 3. Olah, ROM2.9 
 4. N''Dumba-C., SUI2.4 
 5. Kok, NED2.1 
 6. Larsen, DEN1.9 
 7. Graham, ENG1.6 
 8. Dimitrov, BUL1.3 
 9. Pavic, MNT1.3 
 10. Kolb, AUT1.1 


Stats Leaders Div. A
Points Per Game
 Martin KRIZ
  (202-F-93)
  Avg: 19
 1. Kriz, CZE19.0 
 2. Larentzakis, GRE18.7 
 3. Gerun, UKR18.2 
 4. Artamonov, UKR17.4 
 5. Rupnik, SLO17.3 
 6. Ponitka, POL15.3 
 7. Della Valle, ITA15.1 
 8. Radosavljevi., GER13.9 
 9. Caven, FIN13.9 
 10. Brzoja, CRO13.7 
Rebounds Per Game
 Martin KRIZ
  (202-F-93)
  Avg: 11.7
 1. Kriz, CZE11.7 
 2. Gerun, UKR11.1 
 3. Diez, ESP10.4 
 4. Jaiteh, FRA9.8 
 5. Gudumak, RUS9.3 
 6. Trushkin, RUS9.0 
 7. Kymantas, LTU7.9 
 8. Kyzlink, CZE7.7 
 9. Ponitka, POL7.6 
 10. Karnowski, POL7.3 
Assists Per Game
 Luka RUPNIK
  (184-PG-93)
  Avg: 5.7
 1. Rupnik, SLO5.7 
 2. Artamonov, UKR5.1 
 3. Schroeder, GER4.9 
 4. Deligeorgis, GRE4.4 
 5. Fernandez, ESP4.4 
 6. Micic, SRB4.3 
 7. Miljenovic, SRB4.0 
 8. Eroglu, TUR3.7 
 9. Reinfelds, LAT3.4 
 10. Imbro, ITA3.4 
Steals Per Game
 Klym ARTAMONOV
  UKR
  (176-PG-93)
  Avg: 3.3
 1. Artamonov, UKR3.3 
 2. Deligeorgis, GRE2.9 
 3. Ramljak, CRO2.4 
 4. Bekteshi, GER2.4 
 5. Caven, FIN2.4 
 6. Paliukenas, LTU2.4 
 7. Brzoja, CRO2.1 
 8. Kriz, CZE2.1 
 9. Micic, SRB2.1 
 10. Kymantas, LTU2.1 
Blocks Per Game
 Volodymyr GERUN
  (205-C/F-94)
  Avg: 2.1
 1. Gerun, UKR2.1 
 2. Karnowski, POL1.8 
 3. Gudaitis, LTU1.4 
 4. Tessitori, ITA1.3 
 5. Grazulis, LAT1.3 
 6. Niedzwiedzki, POL1.2 
 7. Redondo, ESP1.1 
 8. Olaizola, ESP1.1 
 9. Kymantas, LTU1.1 
 10. Tekin, TUR1.0 


Spain recorded the ninth straight win to triumph in Wroclaw - by Eurobasket News
FINAL
Serbia - Spain 65-71
Spain recorded the ninth straight win at the U18 European Championship and won the tournament in Wroclaw. The Spanish outfit triumphed in the game over Serbia 71:65 with the late push for Gold. The victory was really hard for the favorites of the tournament. Spain managed to take only 16:14 at the end of the first frame and Perez scored for 26:21. Jorge Sanz (188-PG-93) made two free throws for 37:33 and he also closed the half at 43:36. Serbia did not give up and bounced back for 51:54 after thirty minutes. Micic later reduced to 60:62, but Spain replied with a 7-2 run to seal the victory and the trophy. Jorge Sanz top-scored for the winners with 22 points and Abrines Redondo posted 16. Daniel Diez (199-F-93) followed them with 8 points in the winning effort. Micic and Mitrovic responded with 13 points each in defeat and Stefan Popovski-Turanjanin (201-F-93, agency: Beo Basket) as well as Miljenovic added 10 apiece.



3-4 place
Italy - Turkey 65-69
Turkey tastes Bronze in Poland at the U18 European Championship in Division A. The Turkish team needed 69:65 over Italy to finish third. The Italian team dropped to the fourth place despite leading scorer Amedeo Della Valle attempted to play after missing the last two games. Italy opened the game with 21-19 at the end of the first period and added 20-13 in the second frame. Edoardo Giovara (200-G-93) brought 41:32 at the end of the half as Italian team seemed to be confident in the game. In the second half Turkey however came back into the game. Tuncer gave the latter 51:50 after thirty minutes and another 18-15 in the last stanza brought the victory s well as the third place for Turkey. Tayfun Erulku (188-G/F-94) stepped up with 12 points and Tuncer netted 10, while three other teammates scored 8 apiece. Francesco Veccia (190-G-93) answered with 14 points in defeat and Imbro posted 13. Amedeo Tessitori (203-C-94) ended up with 12 points, while Mattia Magrini (190-G-93) chipped in 10.

5-6 place
Poland - Lithuania 66-78
Lithuania edged the hosts for the 5th place at the U18 European Championship in Division A. The Baltic side won 78:66 to send Poland to the 6th position. Both teams desired to finish the tournament with the victory. More than 2000 fans came to support the last game of the home side that started with 20:18 after the first period. Paulius Semaska (183-PG-93) and Osvaldas Olisevicius (196-F-93) sent he teams to the lockers for 38:35 as the Baltic side won the frame 20-15. Lithuania added 25-16 in the third quarter as Grigonis and Michal Michalak (194-G-93) exchanged the shots at the end of the frame. Both teams nailed 15 points apiece in the last stanza for the final result. Simonas Kymantas (204-C/F-93) led the way with 18 points and Osvaldas Olisevicius brought 16. Gudaitis netted 14, while Paulius Semaska and Grigonis delivered 10 apiece. Michal Michalak poured in 12 points in the losing effort and Ponitka scored 11.

7-8 place
France - Croatia 80-61
France celebrated victory on the final day of the U18 European Championship in Poland. Les Bleus outscored Croatia to claim the seventh overall position. Mouhammadou Jaiteh (206-C-94) stepped up with 18 points and 17 rebounds to pace the winners. France pulled in front early in the game and maintained the lead throughout the starting quarter. They ensured an 18:14 lead after ten minutes. Croatia opened the second term with seven points in a row to pull ahead. Croatia did not allow their opponents to deny the deficit rallying to a 44:37 halftime lead. Croatia stayed in front in the third term despite France being within striking distance for the better part of the frame. William Howard (201-F-93) converted a pair of three-pointers early in the final quarter to put France on top. France soon went on a deadly 17:0 run to run away for good in this one. Jean-Charles Livio provided 17 points, while William Howard added 16 points in the win. Matej Buovac and Mislav Brzoja (198-F/G-94) responded with 12 points each for Croatia. Josip Mikulic (210-F-93) delivered 11 points in the loss.

9-10 place
Latvia - Russia 58-64
Russia clinched 9th place in Division A, Latvia is 10th after the game against each other. The Russian team needed 64:58 win to finish on one step higher. Russia started the game confident and reached 16:6 after the first 10 minutes. Gleb Goldyrev (200-F-93) brought 19:10 and Loginov scored the half at 26:22. The third period belonged to the Baltic side that first tied the game and even grabbed the lead at the end of the period. After 21-14 they enjoyed 43:40 entering the last stanza. Trailing 50:53, Russia erupted with 12-0 run to seal the victory. Vladislav Trushkin (200-F-93) paced all the winners with 15 points and 16 rebounds, while Gleb Goldyrev notched 11. Loginov scored 10, while Aleksandr Gudumak (204-F-93) and Karpenko added 6 apiece. Guntis Sipolins (200-F-93) netted 10 points in the losing effort and Grazulis chipped in 9.

11-12 place
Slovenia - Germany 73-86
Germany finished their U18 European Championship campaign on a high note. They overcame Slovenia to claim the 11th place at the tournament. Dennis Schroeder (184-G-93) stepped up with 22 points, 8 assists and 3 rebounds to lead the effort. Germany capped the first term on a 10:1 run to post a 20:12 lead. Richter opened a double-digit lead for Germany at the start of the second term but Slovenia immediately answered with 9 points in a row to narrow the deficit. Germany however cleared off soon to build an 18-point buffer late in the half. Slovenia narrow the gap at 11-point mark at halftime 30:41. Germany maintained the lead throughout the third quarter. They registered a 67:53 lead at the final break. Slovenia never got closer than 10 points in the fourth period as Germany rolled to the win. Bogdan Radosavljevic (211-C-93) delivered 21 points and 8 rebounds, while Paul Zipser and Stephan Haukohl (200-F-93) added 11 points each in the win. Luka Rupnik responded with 20 points and 8 assists for Slovenia. Jan Osolnik (203-F-93) had 15 points in the loss.

Group G
Ukraine - Czech Republic 87-73
Ukraine sent Czech Republic to Division B of the U18 European Championship for 2012. Ukraine beat them 88:73 and won the Classification Round for 13-16 places. Czech Republic won and lost two games to finish on the 15th spot and as well as Finland will be eliminated to the lower Division. Ukraine won the opening period 23-21 and added massive 27-18 in the second period. Vladimir Gerun (206-C-94) made two free throws for 50:39 after the first 20 minutes in the court. Ukraine also won the third quarter 23-14 to increase to 20 points entering the last stanza. Czech Republic replied with 20-14 in the last stanza to reduce to 14 points. Vladimir Gerun paced all the winners with 25 points and 10 rebounds, while Klym Artamonov (176-PG-93) followed him with 24. Zhukovskyy scored 12 and Shundel posted 10. Tomas Kyzlink (197-F/G-93) answered with 16 points in defeat and Svandrlik nailed 13. Herman produced 12, while Bernath delivered 11.

Finland - Greece 55-68
Greece remain in Division A for the next year as they edged Finland at the U18 European Championship last day. Greece needed 68:55 for 2-2 record that was enough to take the 14th spot higher then Czech Republic and Finland. The latter two teams will be eliminated to Division B for the next year. Greece knew the importance of the victory and went on an 18-7 after the first period. Finland responded with 22-17 and reduced to 35:29 at the halftime. Moreover with 19-16 in the third period Naapi closed the third period with 51:48. Finland however could not come closer as Greece pushed the tempo for good at the very end. They won the last stanza 17-7 and won the game by 13 points. Giannoulis Larentzakis (196-G/F-93) chipped in 23 points to lead the charge, while Petros Melissaratos (202-C/F-93) collected 20 points and 10 rebounds. Dimitrios Agravanis (203-F-94) notched 10, while Zoumpos posted 9. Seppala netted 17 points in the losing effort and Naapi added 10.



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  FINLAND   


U18: Greece remain in Division A for the next year - by Eurobasket News
Finland U18-Greece U18 55:68

Greece remain in Division A for the next year as they edged Finland at the U18 European Championship last day. Greece needed 68:55 for 2-2 record that was enough to take the 14th spot higher then Czech Republic and Finland. The latter two teams will be eliminated to Division B for the next year.
Greece knew the importance of the victory and went on an 18-7 after the first period. Finland responded with 22-17 and reduced to 35:29 at the halftime. Moreover with 19-16 in the third period Kalle Naapi (189-G-93) closed the third period with 51:48. Finland however could not come closer as Greece pushed the tempo for good at the very end. They won the last stanza 17-7 and won the game by 13 points.
Giannoulis Larentzakis (196-G/F-93) chipped in 23 points to lead the charge, while Petros Melissaratos (202-C/F-93) collected 20 points and 10 rebounds. Dimitrios Agravanis (203-F-94) notched 10, while Fotios Zoumpos (191-G-93) posted 9. Ilari Seppala (190-G-93) netted 17 points in the losing effort and Kalle Naapi added 10.

Finland U18: Ilari Seppala 17, Kalle Naapi 10
Greece U18: Giannoulis Larentzakis 23, Petros Melissaratos 20+10 rebs, Dimitrios Agravanis 10, Fotios Zoumpos 9


U16: Finland remained Cyprus without victories - by Eurobasket News
Cyprus U16-Finland U16 57:69

Finland remained Cyprus without victories at the U16 European Championship in Division B. The Scandinavian team improved to 2-1 record after 69:57 win in Saturday. Cyprus suffered the third straight loss in Strumica.
It was a defensive start and both teams scored 9 points each in the first period. Finland created a 9-0 run in the start of the second frame and grabbed 18:11 lead when Ozan Odabasi (196-C-95) , Shawn Hopkins (192-G/F-95) and Niemisto scored from the arc. Viktoras Ieronymidis (198-F-95) closed the half at 29:17 as Finland won the quarter 20-8. The third quarter became decisive as the Scandinavian team added 28-15 for the confident lead. Shawn Hopkins was the last to score in the third period for 57:32. Cyprus played better in the last stanza and after 25-12 reduced to 12 points at the end.
Shawn Hopkins poured in 19 points to lead the charge, while Emir Sulejmanovic (203-C/F-95) supported him with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Ozan Odabasi collected 10 points and 11 caroms and Jere Valtonen (185-PG-95) netted 8.

Cyprus U16: Antreas Christodoulou (193-G-95) 28, Viktoras Ieronymidis 15
Finland U16: Shawn Hopkins 19, Emir Sulejmanovic 12+10 rebs, Ozan Odabasi 10+11 rebs, Jere Valtonen 8


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  FRANCE   


ASVEL lands Phil Goss - by Eurobasket News
Phil Goss (186-G-83, college: Drexel) will continue his career with ASVEL. The American guard penned a one-year deal with his new club. Goss spent last couple of years in Italy. Last season he was a member of Cimberio Varese. For 33 games in SerieA Goss shined with 14.8 points, 3 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.7 steals. Eurobasket awarded him with All-Italian SerieA 2nd Team -11. In 2009/10, Goss was named Eurobasket.com All-Italian Lega2 1st Team -10. He played for Scafati at that time averaging 20.7 points 4.8 rebounds 3 assists and 3.3 steals for 33 games in LegaDue. A year before that, Goss played for Rimini. He also has experience from Ironi Ashkelon, Beykoz, Koszalin and Bergen Op Zoom. Goss is a product of Drexel University.

U18: France topple Croatia to finish 7th in Wroclaw - by Eurobasket News
France U18 - Croatia U18 80:61

France celebrated victory on the final day of the U18 European Championship in Poland. Les Bleus outscored Croatia to claim the seventh overall position. Mouhammadou Jaiteh (206-C-94) stepped up with 18 points and 17 rebounds to pace the winners.
France pulled in front early in the game and maintained the lead throughout the starting quarter. They ensured an 18:14 lead after ten minutes. Croatia opened the second term with seven points in a row to pull ahead. Croatia did not allow their opponents to deny the deficit rallying to a 44:37 halftime lead. Croatia stayed in front in the third term despite France being within striking distance for the better part of the frame. William Howard (201-F-93) converted a pair of three-pointers early in the final quarter to put France on top. France soon went on a deadly 17:0 run to run away for good in this one. Jean-Charles Livio (204-F/C-93) provided 17 points, while William Howard added 16 points in the win. Matej Buovac (198-G/F-93) and Mislav Brzoja (198-F/G-94) responded with 12 points each for Croatia. Josip Mikulic (210-F-93) delivered 11 points in the loss.

France U18: Mouhammadou Jaiteh 18+17 boards, Jean-Charles Livio 17, William Howard 16
Croatia U18: Matej Buovac 12, Mislav Brzoja 12, Josip Mikulic 11


Nancy agrees with Nicolas Batum? - by Eurobasket News
Various sources reported today that Nicolas Batum (201-F-88) and Nancy agreed on a deal. They stated Batum will play for the club until the end of the NBA lockout. Nothing is officially announced by the club, neither by Batum.
Nicolas Batum spent last three years with the Portland Trail Blazers. He shined with 12.1 ppg, 4.3 rpg and 1.5 apg for 86 NBA games last season. In 2009/10, Batum had 9.9 ppg, 3.7 rpg and 1.1 apg in 43 games. He struggled with injury that season. In his rookie NBA year Batum registered 5.2 ppg and 2.6 rpg for 84 games. In France, he spent few years with Le Mans, where he grew up. Nicolas Batum is active member of the French National Team since 2008. He played for U19, U18 and U16 France in the past.

Cholet adds Derrick Byars - by Eurobasket News
Cholet announced signing of Derrick Byars (202-G/F-84, agency: Beo Basket, college: Vanderbilt) for the next season. The American G/SF heads to France from the NBA D-League team Bakersfield Jam, where he finished last season. He appeared 33 times for the club averaging 17.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2 assists. Byars started last season with Panellinios Athens. He had 15.2 ppg, 6.2 rpg and 1.6 apg for five games, after what they parted ways. Season 2009/10, Derrick Byars spent with ALBA Berlin. He had 8.5 ppg and 2.5 rpg for 31 German league games. He also added 7.7 ppg and 2.2 rpg in EuroCup that season. In the past, Byars was a member of Roanne and Koln. He is a product of the Vanderbilt University.

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  FYR MACEDONIA   


FYR Macedonia prevail against Canada in Bormio - by Eurobasket News
FYR Macedonia - Canada 72:65

FYR Macedonia wrapped up their Trofeo Giannati tournament campaign with victory. They held off Canada to finish in the third position. Kiril Nikolovski (210-C-88) scored 14 points to lead the charge. Canada suffered the second loss in a row.
Canada got to a slightly better start. They recorded 17:15 lead after ten minutes. The North American team maintained the advantage as they arrived at halftime up by 7 points 38:31. But FYR Macedonia changed the complexion of the encounter after the big break. They stiffened their defence limiting Canada to only 8 points in the third term. FYR Macedonia got within a single point with one quarter to go. The European team fired 27 points in the fourth stanza to rally to the victory at the end. Dejan Stojanovski (184-G-79) provided 12 points, while Vlado Ilievski (190-G-80, agency: World Sport Agency) added 11 in the winning effort. Levon Kendall (209-F-84, college: Pittsburgh) responded with 13 points for Canada. Aaron Doornekamp (198-F-85, agency: Interperformances) and Jesse Young (207-C-80, college: George Mason) netted 12 points each in defeat.

FYR Macedonia: Kiril Nikolovski 14, Dejan Stojanovski 12, Vlado Ilievski 11
Canada: Levon Kendall 13, Aaron Doornekamp 12, Jesse Young 12


U16: Romania add to FYR Macedonia woes - by Eurobasket News
FYR Macedonia U16 - Romania U16 62:68

Romania opened win count at the U16 European Championship in Division B. They held off FYR Macedonia for 1-2 record in Group A. Mehmet Hortoglu (194-F-95) delivered 20 points to lead the effort. The hosts in the meantime suffered the second loss in a row.
Romania stunned their opponents in the opening quarter. The visitors went on a 21:10 run to build a comfortable lead. FYR Macedonia erupted for 25 points in the second quarter to narrow the deficit. The hosts went on a 7:0 run to surge ahead 42:41 early in the third frame. The lead changed hands throughout the period before Romania snatched a 53:50 advantage at the final break. FYR Macedonia surged back in front midway through the fourth quarter 61:59. But Hurtoglu triggered a 9:1 rally from Romania as they snatched victory. Vlad Cobzaru (203-C-95) tallied 17 points and 10 rebounds for Romania. Bogdan Pogacean (197-C-95) netted 8 points in the winning effort. Daniel Nacevski (191-F-95) responded with 13 points and 13 rebounds for FYR Macedonia. Stefan Trajkovski (186-G-95) had 12 points in the loss.

FYR Macedonia U16: Daniel Nacevski 13+13 boards, Stefan Trajkovski 12
Romania U16: Mehmet Hortoglu 20, Vlad Cobzaru 17+10 boards, Bogdan Pogacean 8


*****************************************************
  GEORGIA   


U16: England rally past Georgia for third straight win in Strumica - by Eurobasket News
England U16 - Georgia U16 69:58

England registered the third consecutive win at the U16 European Championship in Division B. They prevailed against Georgia to remain on top of Group A. Luke Nelson (185-PG-95) stepped up with 16 points to pace the winners. Georgia fell at 1-1 record after the defeat.
England overwhelmed their opponents in the first half. They built a comfortable 27:11 lead after ten minutes of action. England stayed in charge in the second period posting a 45:21 halftime lead. But Georgia managed to slow their opponents down in the third quarter. Georgia cut the deficit to just 9 points with one quarter remaining 43:52. Liluashvili dragged Georgia within 8 points midway through the final period. However Luke Nelson came up with key five points in a row as England ran away for the victory at the end. Tamas Okros (F-95) provided 12 points, while Tyrell Isaacs (G-95) netted 11 points in the win. Nugzar Abuladze (182-G-95) responded with 12 points for Georgia. Ucha Gamreklidze (200-C-95) and Kakhaber Tomaradze (193-G-95) provided 10 points each in the loss.

England U16: Luke Nelson 16, Tamas Okros 12, Tyrell Isaacs 11
Georgia U16: Nugzar Abuladze 12, Ucha Gamreklidze 10, Kakhaber Tomaradze 10


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  GERMANY   


Felix Rathke Joins SSV Lok Bernau - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
SSV Lok Bernau have announced the arrival of Felix Rathke (189-G-90). Rathke is a 21 year old 187cm guard that will join Jan Heide, Martin Bogdanov and Marcus Dathe in the Bernau backcourt. Rathke comes from the WSG Koenigs Wusterhausen (2.Regionalliga) where he belonged to the top players on the team averaging 14ppg. 'Felix is very motivated and brings the qualities to be able to play in the PRO B.I am sure that he will be able to help our team', stressed SSV Lok bernau head coach Axel Rueber Rathke started his basketball career for Marzahn Basket Baeren (2.Regionalliga) in 2005. Since then he has gathered further basketball experience playing for IBBA Berlin junior team, AdW Berlin,and RSV Eintracht Stahnsdorf (ProB), playing mostly for the junior team.he also was member of the German U16 National Team in 2006.

Source: : SSV Lok Bernau

U18: Germany edge Slovenia to clinch 11th place in Wroclaw - by Eurobasket News
Germany U18 - Slovenia U18 86:73

Germany finished their U18 European Championship campaign on a high note. They overcame Slovenia to claim the 11th place at the tournament. Dennis Schroeder (184-G-93) stepped up with 22 points, 8 assists and 3 rebounds to lead the effort.
Germany capped the first term on a 10:1 run to post a 20:12 lead. Richter opened a double-digit lead for Germany at the start of the second term but Slovenia immediately answered with 9 points in a row to narrow the deficit. Germany however cleared off soon to build an 18-point buffer late in the half. Slovenia narrow the gap at 11-point mark at halftime 30:41. Germany maintained the lead throughout the third quarter. They registered a 67:53 lead at the final break. Slovenia never got closer than 10 points in the fourth period as Germany rolled to the win. Bogdan Radosavljevic (211-C-93) delivered 21 points and 8 rebounds, while Paul Zipser (195-G-94) and Stephan Haukohl (200-F-93) added 11 points each in the win. Luka Rupnik (184-PG-93) responded with 20 points and 8 assists for Slovenia. Jan Osolnik (203-F-93) had 15 points in the loss.

Germany U18: Dennis Schroeder 22, Bogdan Radosavljevic 21, Paul Zipser 11, Stephan Haukohl 11
Slovenia U18: Luka Rupnik 20, Jan Osolnik 15


TBB Trier Bring In Joshiko Saibou - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
The reach to the German capital and Alba Berlin ex players and youth players for Henrik Roedl this off season has been about as normal as seeing actor Ben Affleck daily wearing a Justin Bieber kind of haircut for his upcoming film Argo, German Bundesliga soccer teams bowing out in the first round of the cup matches this weekend or hearing more and more jokes about Arnold Schwarzenegger and his craving for women as the 1993 champion with North Carolina brought in Joshiko Saibou (188-G-90) Saibou is a 21 year old 188cm guard that is another product out of the Alba Berlin youth program.Last season the German played for ALBA Berlin (1.Bundesliga): German League: 2 games: 0pts; EuroCup: 2 games: 1.0ppg, 1.5rpg, had also license to play for ALBA Berlin II (ProB, starting five): 23 games: 10.8ppg, 4.2rpg, 2.6apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 45.1%, 3PT: 20.5%, FT: 72.0%. 'I know Henrik Roedl pretty well and spoke a lot last season with him. We spoke about the possibilty of coming together this season. I want to make the next step and hope to get more minutes here which I didn't get with Alba Berlin. Trier is a nice city even if it is a lot different than Berlin where Ilived my whole life. It will be good for me too see something new and I like Trier', stressed Joshiko Saibou. He started his basketball career in 2008 with ALBA Berlin II (Regionalliga).In 2009-2010, he still played for ALBA Berlin II (Regionalliga): 10 games: 10.7ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.7apg, 1.4spg.Last season in the PRO B, he had 13 games where he scored in double figurs and his best game was against the Bayer Giants Leverkusen where he poured in 26 points an dhauled down 10 rebounds. Awards/Achievements in his career have been German Regionalliga (North Group) Champion -10, and Eurobasket.com German 2. Bundesliga Pro B All-Newcomers Team -11

Source: TBB Trier





Adnan Hodzic (Walter Tigers Tuebingen) I Think That Tyrone Nash And I Can Do A Lot Of High Low Stuff Together - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Adnan Hodzic (203-F-88, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Lipscomb) is a 23 year old 203cm fprward from Sarajevo, Bosnia that will make his professional basketball debut in the Beko BBL for The Walter Tigers Tuebingen this season. He just finished a four year college basketball career at Lipscomb (NCAA). In his senior year, he played 30 games: 17.7ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 56.3%, 3PT: 12.5%, FT: 72.6%. His strongest statistical season was his junior year where he played 30 games: 22.7ppg, 9.1rpg, FGP: 60.4%, FT: 67.6%. Awards/Achievements in his career so far have been A-Sun All-Freshman Team -08, A-Sun Tournament Semifinals -09, All-A-Sun 1st Team -09, 10, 11, A-Sun Regular Season Champion -10, All-A-Sun Player of the Year -10, NABC Division I All-District 3 1st Team -10, 11, AP NCAA All-America Honorable Mention -10, and Bosnia and Herzegovina National Team -11. Hodzic spoke to eurobasket about basketball


Congrats on getting contract with The Walter Tigers Tuebingen. How did your first go with finding a team go? Did you have many more offers? The market has been tough in last years so getting a job so early must be very satisfying?

The Walter Tigers offer was very unexpected. My agent was more so looking to place me in Spain or Italy. However, the Walter Tigers gave me a great offer that was hard to turn down. Also, the coach I liked a lot, it was easy to communicate with him because we speak the same language.

What do you know about the country Germany and the league Beko BBL?

I dont know much about Germany except that they make the best automobiles in the world hahaha. Also I saw on the internet that Tubingen is a very beautiful place to be. About the BBL I have heard many good things. I have heard that they are the most financially stable league in Europe.

The Walter Tigers Tuebingen have signed 3 rookies with Vaughn Duggins, Tyrone Nash and yourself. Do you feel any big pressure knowing that you will be relied on producing a lot?

I dont like to feel pressure, I look at it as an opportunity to showcase my abilities. I am very excited and I am sure the other rookies are as well.

You and Tyrone Nash are both 203cm, but could play side by side. How do you think you guys could work together on the court? Nash played center at Notre Dame?


I think we could do a lot of high low stuff together. I am sure that coach Perovic has some great ideas.

What is a strength in your game that isnt always recognized by critics and fans?


One strength that is very overlooked is my ability to shoot from outside. All spring and summer I have been working on expanding my game. I have developed a good mid range and long range shot. I am also good at driving the ball to the rim.


You played at Lipscomb (NCAA). You had very strong stats there. Did the fact that you didnt play at a well known school hurt your credibility as a player? How have you been able to cope with this?


Absolutely it did, just as it did many other players. However, some of my best games were against bigger schools and better competition. I just play hard every night. The critics and doubters will always be there.


What is your most fondest memory at Lipscomb (NCAA) on and off the court?


The best memory was winning our league regular season championship my junior season


Who was the best player that you played against in the NCAA that might be in the NBA now?

The best player i played against in the NCAA was my junior year. I played against Derrick Williams. I had 34pts 13reb

You studied Psychology at Lipscomb. If you had to help or give advice to Lebron James about returning back to the court and being successful with the Miami Heat what would you tell him?

haha I dont know what I would tell him. He is a big time professional, I am sure he will be fine. He just needs to go out there and block out the critics and play his game freely

Why do you like the movie Remember the Titans so much?


I love remember the titans because it is a very intense and athletic movie. I love movies like that


One of your interests is eating. If you were to take place in the Hotdog eating contest, how many dogs could you eat?

haha I dont like hotdogs, those guys are incredible

What is your take on Ron Artest changing his name to World Peace?

Ron Artest changing his name to metta world peace was very shocking. But I support him

What was the last DVD movie that you saw?


The last DVD that I have watched was the TV series Entourage


Thanks Adnan for the chat.


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  GREECE   


U18: Greece remain in Division A for the next year - by Eurobasket News
Finland U18-Greece U18 55:68

Greece remain in Division A for the next year as they edged Finland at the U18 European Championship last day. Greece needed 68:55 for 2-2 record that was enough to take the 14th spot higher then Czech Republic and Finland. The latter two teams will be eliminated to Division B for the next year.
Greece knew the importance of the victory and went on an 18-7 after the first period. Finland responded with 22-17 and reduced to 35:29 at the halftime. Moreover with 19-16 in the third period Kalle Naapi (189-G-93) closed the third period with 51:48. Finland however could not come closer as Greece pushed the tempo for good at the very end. They won the last stanza 17-7 and won the game by 13 points.
Giannoulis Larentzakis (196-G/F-93) chipped in 23 points to lead the charge, while Petros Melissaratos (202-C/F-93) collected 20 points and 10 rebounds. Dimitrios Agravanis (203-F-94) notched 10, while Fotios Zoumpos (191-G-93) posted 9. Ilari Seppala (190-G-93) netted 17 points in the losing effort and Kalle Naapi added 10.

Finland U18: Ilari Seppala 17, Kalle Naapi 10
Greece U18: Giannoulis Larentzakis 23, Petros Melissaratos 20+10 rebs, Dimitrios Agravanis 10, Fotios Zoumpos 9


*****************************************************
  HOLLAND   


U16: Netherlands demolish Austrian side - by Eurobasket News
Netherlands U16-Austria U16 90:48

Netherlands demolish Austrian side in Day 3 of the U16 European Championship in Division B. The Dutch side smashed the opponents 90:48 for 3-0 record on top of Group B. Austria meanwhile lost the third straight game and shares the bottom with Cyprus.
Netherlands was the favorite of the game and started offensively. They reached 28-16 at the end of the first period and never looked behind after. Moreover 22-8 in the second frame brought them 50:25 halftime advantage. Netherlands also won the third period 18-17 to increase to 26 point after thirty minutes in the court. Another 22-6 in the last stanza was too much for the opponents.
Bas Veenstra (204-F-95) paced all the winners with 20 points, while Mike Hogervorst (207-C-95) netted 17. Willem Brandwijk (204-F-95) poured in 14 and Daan Rosenmuller (193-F-95) added 12. Georg Wolf (186-G-95) replied with 12 points in defeat and Florian Pelc (168-PG-95) scored 8.

Netherlands U16: Bas Veenstra 20, Mike Hogervorst 17, Willem Brandwijk 14, Daan Rosenmuller 12
Austria U16: Georg Wolf 12, Florian Pelc 8


*****************************************************
  HUNGARY   


U16: Hungary closed Day 3 in Strumica with the win over Slovak Republic - by Eurobasket News
Slovak Republic U16-Hungary U16 48:69

Hungary grabbed 3-0 record in Group C of the U16 European Championship in Division B. They edged Slovak Republic 69:48 in Strumica in day 3 of the tournament. The latter fell at 0-3 record in the group.
Both teams nailed 12 points each in the opening period to set up the tone in the game. Slovak Republic surprised the opponents with 14-12 in the second frame, to take 2-points halftime advantage. The second half however completely belonged to Hungary. They won the third period 20-7 and added 25-15 in the last stanza. Boinitzer brought the last points for the winning side.
Laszlo Fulop (199-F-95) led the way with 14 points and Tibor Ban (185-G-95) added 13. Eric Vrana (189-G-95) finished the night with 12 points and Janos Velkey (193-G-95) scored 10. Matej Baluch (192-F-95) delivered 18 points in the losing case and Dalibor Hlivak (187-G-95) had 9.

Slovak Republic U16: Matej Baluch 18, Dalibor Hlivak 9
Hungary U16: Laszlo Fulop 14, Tibor Ban 13, Eric Vrana 12, Janos Velkey 10


*****************************************************
  IRELAND   


U16: Switzerland handle Ireland, stay perfect - by Eurobasket News
Switzerland U16-Ireland U16 65:47

Switzerland handles Ireland to stay perfect at the U16 European Championship in Division B. The Swiss side needed 65:47 for 3-0 record on top of Group C. Ireland meanwhile dropped to 0-3 record on the bottom of the group.
Switzerland opened the game with 18-13 as Randon Gruninger (190-F-95) closed the first period. They added 17-11 in the second period for 35:24 advantage after the first two quarters. The third quarter brought 20-8 on the board that totaled to 55:32 after thirty minutes. Ireland managed to win the last frame 15-10 and reduced to 18 points at the very end.
Mathias Tolusso (186-G-95) and Randon Gruninger stepped up with 15 points each for the winners to remain perfect. Cyril Bachler (192-F-95) netted 9, while Arnaud Cotture (200-F/C-95) collected 8 points and 10 rebounds. Jason Carr (188-C-95) ended up with 10 points and 12 rebounds for Ireland and Patrick Lyons (187-G-95) added 9.

Switzerland U16: Mathias Tolusso 15, Randon Gruninger 15, Cyril Bachler 9, Arnaud Cotture 8+10 rebs
Ireland U16: Jason Carr 10+12 rebs, Patrick Lyons 9


*****************************************************
  ISRAEL   


U16: Israel march past Denmark - by Eurobasket News
Israel U16 -Denmark U16 80:59

Israel registered the second straight win at the U16 European Championship in Division B. They stormed past Denmark for 2-0 record in Group D. Naor Sharon (191-PG-95) stepped up with 13 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds to lead the winners. Denmark slipped at 0-3 record after the loss.
Israel opened the game with a 9:0 run. They stayed in charge throughout the opening quarter posting a 23:8 lead at the first break. The margin just kept on growing in the second quarter. Israel recorded a 46:25 halftime advantage. Israel did not allow Denmark any closer in the third frame. Natan Cohen team headed into the fourth quarter up by 22 points and never looked back en route to the victory. Yochai Zuckerman (183-G-95) produced 12 points, while Or Cahal (190-F-95) notched 11 points in the victory. Aladdin Barakeh (190-F-95) responded with 15 points for Denmark. Martin Rasmussen (189-G-95) and Rasmus Hansen (203-C/F-95) notched 12 points apiece in the loss.

Israel U16: Naor Sharon 13, Yochai Zuckerman 12, Or Cahal 11
Denmark U16: Aladdin Barakeh 15, Martin Rasmussen 12, Rasmus Hansen 12+11 boards


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  ITALY   


Italy edge Bulgaria to win Trofeo Gianatti - by Eurobasket News
Italy - Bulgaria 80:74

Italy clinched Trofeo Gianatti as they outgunned Bulgaria in the title game. Danilo Gallinari (205-G/F-88, agency: Players Group) stepped up with 20 points to lead the Azzurri.
Italy stormed into this one. They erupted for 28 points in the opening quarter to build a 9-point lead at the first break. Bulgaria managed to slow down their opponents in the second period. The visitors cut the deficit at 5-point mark at the interval 35:40. But Italy regained control in the third stanza. The hosts arrived at the final break leading by as many as 12 points. Bulgaria went on a desperate comeback rally in the final term and nearly succeeded. They got within striking distance but Italy hung on to celebrate victory at the end. Marco Belinelli (196-G-86) provided 19 points, while Marco Cusin (211-C-85, agency: Interperformances) added 11 points in the win. Filip Videnov (196-F/G-80, agency: Interperformances, college: W.Kentucky) responded with 18 points for Bulgaria. Dejan Ivanov (205-F/C-86, agency: Beo Basket) accounted for 12 points and 9 rebounds in defeat.

Italy: Danilo Gallinari 20, Marco Belinelli 19, Marco Cusin 11
Bulgaria: Filip Videnov 18, Dejan Ivanov 12


Shane Edwards joins Verona - by Eurobasket News
Shane Edwards (201-F-87, college: UALR) will continue his career in Italy. The American forward signed a deal with Tezenis Verona and it will be his first year overseas. Edwards spent last season with the NBA D-League team New Mexico Thunderbirds. In 45 games he averaged 16.7 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists. He participated at the D-League All-Star game and was named Gatorade All-D-League Honorable Mention -11. During the summer, Edwards worked out with the San Antonio Spurs and Chicago Bulls. Season 2009/10, Shane Edwards spent with Albuquerque Thunderbirds. They also competed in D-Legaue. For 39 games that season Edwards had 12.7 ppg and 5.3 rpg. He graduated at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 2009.

Barcellona signs PG Mike Green - by Eurobasket News
Barcellona announced signing of a one-year deal with Mike Green (185-G-85, college: Butler). The American point guard heads to his new club from Bennet Cantu. He helped Cantu reach the SerieA Finals last season In 42 games he had 11.3 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 3.3 apg and 2 spg. Eurobasket awarded Green with All-Italian SerieA Honorable Mention -11. Cantu also reached Italian Cup Finals last season. In EuroCup Green added 6.7 ppg, 3.3 rpg and 3.8 apg for 6 games. Season 2009/10, Mike Green spent with Belgacom Liege Basket. He helped them win Belgian SuperCup and they also reached League Finals. For 37 games Green averaged 13.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists. He had almost the same digits in EuroChallenge. Three years ago Green was a member of Antalya. It was his first season as a pro, after he graduated at Butler University in 2008.

Jumaine Jones heads to Scavolini - by Eurobasket News
Jumaine Jones (202-F-79, college: Georgia) is a new member of Scavolini Siviglia Pesaro. The American power forward signed a one-year deal. Jones spent last two seasons with Pepsi Caserta. In the latest one he had 13.6 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 1.5 apg and 2.2 spg for 30 games in SerieA. Jones also added 11.6 ppg 7.7 rpg 1.2 apg and 1.3 spg for 13 games in EuroCup. Eurobasket awarded him with All-EuroCup Honorable Mention -11. Jones also played at the Italian SerieA All-Star Game this year.
In 2009/10, the power forward averaged 13.4 points and 8.4 rebounds in SerieA. Jumaine Jones played for Ural Great Perm and Napoli in the past. He also has experience from the Charlotte Bobcats and Los Angeles Lakers. With the LA Lakers he had 7.6 ppg and 5.2 rpg for 76 NBA games in 2004/05 season. Jones was a member of Cleveland and Sacramento in the past.

U18: Turkey tastes Bronze in Poland - by Eurobasket News
Italy U18-Turkey U18 65:69

Turkey tastes Bronze in Poland at the U18 European Championship in Division A. The Turkish team needed 69:65 over Italy to finish third. The Italian team dropped to the fourth place despite leading scorer Amedeo Della Valle attempted to play after missing the last two games.
Italy opened the game with 21-19 at the end of the first period and added 20-13 in the second frame. Giovara brought 41:32 at the end of the half as Italian team seemed to be confident in the game. In the second half Turkey however came back into the game. Ahmet Tuncer (193-G-93) gave the latter 51:50 after thirty minutes and another 18-15 in the last stanza brought the victory s well as the third place for Turkey.
Tayfun Erulku (188-G/F-94) stepped up with 12 points and Ahmet Tuncer netted 10, while three other teammates scored 8 apiece. Francesco Veccia (190-G-93) answered with 14 points in defeat and Matteo Imbro (190-PG-94) posted 13. Amedeo Tessitori (203-C-94) ended up with 12 points, while Mattia Magrini (190-G-93) chipped in 10.

Italy U18: Francesco Veccia 14, Matteo Imbro 13, Amedeo Tessitori 12, Mattia Magrini 10
Turkey U18: Tayfun Erulku 12, Ahmet Tuncer 10


Andre Smith joins Pepsi JuveCaserta - by Eurobasket Center
Pepsi JuveCaserta agreed terms with 26-year old American forward Andre Smith (203-F-85, college: N.Dakota St.). Smith played most recently at Pinar Karsiyaka SK Izmir (Turkey). While playing 22 games in Turkish League for Karsiyaka last season he recorded 18.8ppg (4th best in the league), 7.8rpg, 1.6apg and 1.9spg (5th best in the league). He also played 12 games in EuroChallenge and his stats were Score-5 (17.7ppg), 9.0rpg (4th best in the league), 1.6apg and 1.3spg. Smith helped Karsiyaka to make it to EuroChallenge Quarterfinals, which was the biggest international achievement in club history. Here he was selected to Eurobasket.com All-EuroChallenge 3rd Team. But the really spectacular was his season in Turkish league, which is considering by one of the top leagues in Europe, and definitely #1 raising league in Europe in last few years. Smith was selected at the end of season as Eurobasket.com All-Turkish League Import Player of the Year and Forward of the Year. Smith is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in Germany, Japan, Poland, Switzerland, Turkey and United Kingdom.

By Eurobasket Data Center

*****************************************************
  JORDAN   


Ukraine destroyed Jordan to finish second in Aerosvit Cup - by Eurobasket News
Ukraine-Jordan 104:75

Ukraine destroyed Jordan in their last game of Aerosvit Cup in Kiev. The hosts won 104:75 to finish second.
Sergii Gladyr (196-G/F-88) stepped up with 15 points and Viacheslav Kravtsov (212-C-87, agency: Beo Basket), Pecherov and Alexander Kolchenko (198-F/G-88, agency: Beo Basket) netted 12 points each. Kyrylo Fesenko (213-C-86) followed them with 10 points and made 3 outstanding blocks. Rasheim Wright (194-G-81, college: District of Col.) erupted with 27 points and Al-Khas Zaid (206-C-76, college: Gannon) posted 16 in defeat.
The National Team of Belarus became the winner of the Aerosvit Cup in Kiev. The team lost the last game to Estonia 70:72 but had a better points difference. Belarus, Ukraine and Estonia finished with 2-1 records, while Belarus triumphed with a 2-point margin.
Pavel Ulyanko became MVP of the tournament. Kristjan Kangur was named the best Forward, while his teammate Sokk became the best Guard. Ukrainian Viacheslav Kravtsov received the best Center Award.

Ukraine: Sergii Gladyr 15, Viacheslav Kravtsov 12, Pecherov 12, Alexander Kolchenko 12, Kyrylo Fesenko 10
Jordan: Rasheim Wright 27, Al-Khas Zaid 16


*****************************************************
  LATVIA   


U18: Russia clinched 9th place in Division A, Latvia is 10th - by Eurobasket News
Latvia U18-Russia U18 58:64

Russia clinched 9th place in Division A, Latvia is 10th after the game against each other. The Russian team needed 64:58 win to finish on one step higher.
Russia started the game confident and reached 16:6 after the first 10 minutes. Gleb Goldyrev (200-F-93) brought 19:10 and Andrey Loginov (204-F-93) scored the half at 26:22. The third period belonged to the Baltic side that first tied the game and even grabbed the lead at the end of the period. After 21-14 they enjoyed 43:40 entering the last stanza. Trailing 50:53, Russia erupted with 12-0 run to seal the victory.
Vladislav Trushkin (200-F-93) paced all the winners with 15 points and 16 rebounds, while Gleb Goldyrev notched 11. Andrey Loginov scored 10, while Aleksandr Gudumak (204-F-93) and Yury Karpenko (185-PG-93) added 6 apiece. Guntis Sipolins (200-F-93) netted 10 points in the losing effort and Andrejs Grazulis (203-C/F-93) chipped in 9.

Latvia U18: Guntis Sipolins 10, Andrejs Grazulis 9
Russia U18: Vladislav Trushkin 15+16 rebs, Gleb Goldyrev 11, Andrey Loginov 10, Aleksandr Gudumak 6, Yury Karpenko 6


*****************************************************
  LITHUANIA   


U18: Lithuania edged the hosts for the 5th place - by Eurobasket News
Poland U18-Lithuania U18 66:78

Lithuania edged the hosts for the 5th place at the U18 European Championship in Division A. The Baltic side won 78:66 to send Poland to the 6th position.
Both teams desired to finish the tournament with the victory. More than 2000 fans came to support the last game of the home side that started with 20:18 after the first period. Semaska and Osvaldas Olisevicius (196-F-93) sent he teams to the lockers for 38:35 as the Baltic side won the frame 20-15. Lithuania added 25-16 in the third quarter as Marius Grigonis (194-F-94) and Michal Michalak (194-G-93) exchanged the shots at the end of the frame. Both teams nailed 15 points apiece in the last stanza for the final result.
Simonas Kymantas (204-C/F-93) led the way with 18 points and Osvaldas Olisevicius brought 16. Arturas Gudaitis (208-C-93) netted 14, while Semarka and Marius Grigonis delivered 10 apiece. Michal Michalak poured in 12 points in the losing effort and Mateusz Ponitka (196-G-93) scored 11.

Poland U18: Michal Michalak 12, Mateusz Ponitka 11, Daniel Szymkiewicz (193-G-94) 10
Lithuania U18: Simonas Kymantas 18, Osvaldas Olisevicius 16, Arturas Gudaitis 14, Semarka 10, Marius Grigonis 10


*****************************************************
  LUXEMBOURG   


U16: England wins Group A in Strumica - by Eurobasket News
Luxembourg U16-England U16 64:81

England wins Group A in Strumica with the perfect record 4-0. The favorites of the group overcame Luxembourg on Sunday 81:64 as the latter dropped to 1-2 record. The win saw England wrap up a perfect record in the preliminary round of the competition in F.Y.R. Macedonia, and they now have two days of rest before going into the last eight stage carrying a 1-0 record forward with them.
England easily started the game with 6-0 run and reached 15:3 after the first period. Tamas Okros (F-95) scored for 35:27 at the end of the second frame as Luxembourg woke up with 24-20 in the period. Moreover another 24-22 in the third period brought Luxembourg to 6 points entering the last stanza. England needed 24-13 in the last quarter to win the game and remained perfect.
Morayoninuoluwa Soluade (194-G-95) paced all the winners with 18 points and Samuel Round (G-95) netted 13. Tyrell Isaacs (G-95) scored 10 and Tamas Okros notched 9. Thomas Grun (194-G/F-95) collected 14 points and 10 rebounds in defeat and Timothy Kauffmann (191-F-96) posted 11.

Luxembourg U16: Thomas Grun 14+10 rebs, Timothy Kauffmann 11, Schmit 10
England U16: Morayoninuoluwa Soluade 18, Samuel Round 13, Tyrell Isaacs 10, Tamas Okros 9


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  NBA   


Goal of Monday's NBA labor meeting should be to map a productive path - by Eurobasket News
The last time the two sides negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement for the NBA met, and it became clear a lockout was in the offing, the players made a suggestion: next time we get together, lets go back to the drawing board with a blank slate.

Interestingly enough, commissioner David Stern recalled, the players on the way out suggested to us that when we reconvene, maybe we should start from scratch and we should think about things we havent thought about before. I dont mean to present that (the owners last proposal) is off the table in any threatening way, it just hasnt done the job, and the question is, what does it take on both sides to get the job done?

That is simultaneously hopeful and distressing - the two sides have been talking about the CBA for more than two years, and theyve made so little progress in that time that it was actually suggested that the best option might to be to scrap all previous discussions and start over. Distressing, right?

But the hopeful part is that a fresh start is exactly what this negotiation needs. Union head Billy Hunter has said he felt the talks on a new deal were poisoned from the beginning, in early 2010, when the owners sent a radical proposal to the union that featured massive salary reductions and a hard salary cap. Ever since, the owners have continued to modify that proposal - the one the players found so abhorrent - while the players have simply modified the current CBA. Its not just that the two sides are not on the same page. Theyre not even reading the same book.

Thats not likely to change at Mondays meeting, the first bargaining session since the lockout began one month ago, not when the union and owners have become even more entrenched in their positions. But what should happen Monday, at least, is some kind of change in the conversation. As Stern said, the talks so far have not done the job - until there is some common ground established that can help bridge the differences between the combatants here, there is no point in talking at all.

Its like the players are trying to treat a common cold while the owners are trying to cure cancer. If players continue making proposals based on the current CBA and the owners continue working from their original idea, nothing will get done.

In talking with folks on both sides - NBA executives and player agents - there are three things that could be done to help, at the very least, get the two sides on a productive path.

1. While union president Derek Fisher said economic issues will be tabled for now, both sides should start working directly on a money split. Strange to say, because just about every labor problem in big-time sports comes down to money, but the part of this situation that might be the easiest to resolve is how the pie gets divided. Its pretty simple math, after all. The players, who have been getting 57 percent of the NBAs basketball-related income, have made some concessions in this area, offering to come down to 54.3 percent. Of course, the owners want to make that closer to 45 percent. Its a huge divide, but it is one area in which the owners and players are at least speaking the same language.

2. The owners should introduce revenue sharing into the talks. Public posturing over how much money many NBA teams lost the last few years is irrelevant. All that matters is how the problem of revenue disparity between large- and small-market teams is addressed. The owners have made it clear to the players that this is a team issue, and not something that should be part of the CBA. But the players have suggested that the leagues losses could be addressed through revenue sharing. Why not at least include the players in those talks? That way, the union will feel it is involved in helping change the system, rather than having it dictated by the owners.

3. The players should acknowledge a change to the salary cap system will happen. The union has vowed to fight a hard cap in the NBA. There are plenty of owners, though, willing to hold tight to the hard cap idea, enough that theyd shut down this season in order to get it, as the NHL did. Of course, those owners did come out with a hard cap. Even with some NBAers heading overseas, players dont want to endure a year without NBA income, only to come out with a hard cap anyway, NHL-style. A wiser tack would be for the players to accept a hard cap and start getting involved in how it will be designed accepting a hard cap but working with the league to make it as favorable for them as possible.

Courtesy of http://aol.sportingnews.com

Nancy agrees with Nicolas Batum? - by Eurobasket News
Various sources reported today that Nicolas Batum (201-F-88) and Nancy agreed on a deal. They stated Batum will play for the club until the end of the NBA lockout. Nothing is officially announced by the club, neither by Batum.
Nicolas Batum spent last three years with the Portland Trail Blazers. He shined with 12.1 ppg, 4.3 rpg and 1.5 apg for 86 NBA games last season. In 2009/10, Batum had 9.9 ppg, 3.7 rpg and 1.1 apg in 43 games. He struggled with injury that season. In his rookie NBA year Batum registered 5.2 ppg and 2.6 rpg for 84 games. In France, he spent few years with Le Mans, where he grew up. Nicolas Batum is active member of the French National Team since 2008. He played for U19, U18 and U16 France in the past.

Derek Fisher: Lockout's been quiet - by Eurobasket News
The NBA lockout will have reached a full month on Monday when representatives from the owners and players union will officially resume negotiations in New York City.

'It's been long, but it's been weirdly quiet,' said NBA Players Association president Derek Fisher (6'1''-PG-74, agency: Priority Sports, college: UALR) on Friday, speaking at his youth basketball academy in downtown Los Angeles. 'To push as hard as we did in the month of June to see if we could get a deal done prior to July 1, it's essentially been crickets since then.'

As the opposing camps wade back into the waters that got pretty choppy back in late June when the work stoppage began, Fisher said there is an agreement in place between both sides to 'table' the economic issues holding up the next collective bargaining agreement. Rather, in hopes of making some progress after a month-long layoff, Fisher said Monday's session will focus on 'system issues' such as the feasibility of a hard cap, the length of guaranteed contracts and annual percentage increases of those contracts.

'If, as players, we feel we can operate under a fair system, then we can maybe work towards a fair number,' Fisher said. 'I think our counterparts feel a little bit differently, they want to get a number set and they're not as concerned with the way the system looks if they get the right number. We don't think that's the best way to approach it. We want to make sure we keep a fair system in place for all players now and coming in later and I think the numbers will kind of take care of themselves.'

Among the economic issues that caused the lockout to go into place were the owners seeking a larger share of the basketball-related income (BRI). Player salaries took up 57 percent of the BRI in the last CBA. Owners wanted to lower that number to approximately 55-45 in their favor, while players offered to lower their take to 54.3 percent -- giving up $500 million in total player salaries over five years, a concession that NBA commissioner David Stern characterized at the time as 'modest.'

There were also disagreements over how long the next CBA should last -- owners proposed a 10-year deal while the union started with a five-year proposal, later stretching it to six. There was also a fundamental disagreement between the union and owners over the $340 million the league claims to have lost during the 2009-10 season and whether revenue-sharing amongst owners would be a more appropriate means to recoup those losses in the future rather than slicing player salaries.

While it should be encouraging that the sides are meeting after 31 days rather than the 45 it took to sit at the bargaining table again after the last NBA lockout began in 1998, Fisher made it clear that he didn't expect the laundry list of issues to be cleared up in a day.

'It's more about getting the process started again,' Fisher said. 'Kind of rolling the sleeves back up and starting to do the hard work that it's going to take to try and get something done between now and October 1st or when the start of training camp would be. I don't know if there's going to be any major movement on Monday.'

While negotiations stalled during the month of July, the prospect of players heading overseas to play in other professional basketball leagues heated up, sparked by New Jersey Nets guard Deron Williams agreeing to a deal with Besiktas in Turkey.

'We view it as a gentleman is being told that he can't come to work at a particular place and he's temporarily unemployed and he's seeking employment elsewhere,' Fisher said of the union's stance on a potential exodus to Europe by the players. 'We fully expect and anticipate that our guys are going to want to find opportunities to do what they love to do, and that's play the game.'

Fisher also reported that his teammate Kobe Bryant, who reportedly will meet with Besiktas officials on Saturday in Washington D.C., appears in good shape after recently undergoing a platelet-rich plasma therapy procedure on his right knee.

'He's healthy, he's telling me -- and I saw it for myself -- that his knee is the best it's been in a long time,' said Fisher who played alongside Bryant and All-Stars Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose and Chris Paul in an exhibition match in the Philippines last weekend. 'I didn't believe him, he was telling me he was doing some stuff at his basketball camp and I didn't believe it, but I saw it a little bit in Manila so I believe it now.'

Fisher also believes that as negotiations resume Monday, the NBPA remains far from implementing union decertification as a tactic in attempting to end the lockout.

'It's still not something we're ramping up in discussion about,' Fisher said, citing the unfair labor practice charge that the union submitted through the National Labor Relations Board in May as his group's primary legal action at the moment.

'Decertification is just that final thing that when we all feel like we can't do anything else but throw our hands up, maybe we go there,' Fisher said. 'But, right now, we're just not there.'

Fisher spoke outside the expansive gymnasium at the Roybal Learning Center with close to 200 campers he brought together playing inside. He said the next time he could look to bring a group of basketball players together would be an informal player-run training camp for the Lakers roster in late September if the lockout was still in place.

'There are a number of guys that are in and around the Southern California area,' Fisher said. 'We might be able to get together and start getting that fellowship in again and getting reacquainted with each other after a summer off and start preparing ourselves for when and if the season starts and what date that is.'

Courtesy of ESPN

Bobcats' Biyombo still not cleared to play in NBA - by Eurobasket News
The NBA lockout isnt the only thing keeping the Charlotte Bobcats from signing their top draft pick. In addition to the work stoppage, Bismack Biyombo (6'10''-C-92) is still waiting for NBA clearance from FIBA. Via the Charlotte Observer: FIBA, basketballs international governing body, recently declined to provide the NBA clearance to sign forward Bismack Biyombo, the Observer has learned. Biyombo, drafted seventh overall in June, is still under contract to a Spanish team and the Spanish Federation is enforcing that contract. In an email reply to an Observer inquiry, FIBA spokesman Andrew Robotham wrote: The NBA has indeed requested a Letter of Clearance (LoC) for the Player Bismack Biyombo. In accordance with the NBA/FIBA Agreement, FIBA has contacted the Spanish Federation in order to obtain the LoC. However, the Spanish Basketball Federation refused to issue the LoC in view of the fact that the Player is still under contract with a team in Spain. That Spanish team, Fuenlabrada, reportedly has Biyombo under contract for the next two seasons and expects a buyout of about $1.4 million to release him to the Bobcats. Though Biyombo expressed great confidence hed be a Bobcat once the lockout ends ( Im going to play in the NBA next season for sure, 100 percent, he said the day after the draft), FIBAs recent action suggests things could get sticky. A mediation session between Fuenlabrada and Biyombos representatives was scheduled for early July. The results of that session have not been made public. The Observer was unsuccessful in reaching Biyombos agent, Igor Crespo, for comment. Bobcats officials are barred by the NBA from commenting on their players during the lockout, under the threat of a million-dollar fine. While FIBAs recent action could complicate things, this cant come as much of a surprise to the Bobcats. When asked about Biyombos contract situation on draft night, general manager Rich Cho commented, Hes got a dispute with his Spanish team. Its something well have to address. Its a little bit complicated.

Courtesy of www.slamonline.com

Kobe Bryant to Besiktas has 'zero percent' chance - by Eurobasket News
Could all this Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) to Turkey talk turn out to be just talk?

Both NBA.com and Yahoo! Sports reported on Sunday that there is a 'zero percent' chance Bryant plays for Besiktas -- the Turkish professional team that agreed to sign New Jersey Nets All-Star point guard and has been actively pursuing Bryant for weeks -- during a work stoppage caused by the ongoing NBA lockout.

Here's NBA.com's report on Twitter.

Source: Kobe Bryant has not spoken with Turkish team in 2 wks. Current chance he plays there in fall: 'zero percent.' Source does indicate Bryant would consider overseas options if lockout continues.

Here's Yahoo!'s virtually identicalreport on Twitter.

Source says Lakers' Kobe Bryant hasnt talked to Turkey Besiktas in 2 weeks & currently there is a 0% chance he goes there... Source added Kobe is considering other overseas options is lockout doesn't end.

The dual reports come just one day after Bryant was reportedly scheduled to meet with Besiktas officials.

As we've noted before, Bryant's age, injury history and the $83 million set to be paid to him by the Lakers over the course of the next three seasons work against him playing professionally in a competitive league during the lockout.

Pursuing Bryant was a high-reward and no-risk situation for Besiktas. Tying their club name to a player of Bryant's stature only increases the club's profile. Besiktas doesn't need to worry about catching backlash over a failed effort because it already has Williams waiting in the wings. Landing Bryant would have been incredible -- a globe-stopping move, at least in the basketball world -- but life will go on for the club.

As will, surely, negotiations between Bryant's representatives and the other clubs and interests looking to get in on the action. Whatever that action might be.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

*****************************************************
  NCAA1   


Forward Gathers commits to St. John's for 2012 - by Eurobasket News
When Ricardo Gathers, the star recruit who gave St. John's a verbal commitment yesterday, was told his AAU coach described him as a cross between Karl Malone and Charles Barkley, he was humbled.

But he didn't say anything to dispute the notion that the 6-foot-6, 235-pound power forward is a rebounding fool.

'That's huge,' Gathers told The Post. 'Those are a couple of NBA Hall of Famers. I understand what he's saying. Those guys knew rebounding wins games just like defense. I go into every games trying to get at least 10 rebounds.'

Gathers, from Riverside Academy in LaPlace, La., chose the Red Storm over a bunch of heavy hitters including Baylor, Cal, Syracuse, Texas and home town LSU.

He played in two tournaments in the city over the summer and that experience, combined with his love of the movie 'He Got Game,' helped convince Gathers that the Big Apple was the place for him.

'It's like no other place,' Gathers said. 'It's a terrific city. I like the culture, the people, the Garden.'

Gathers is the Red Storm's first 2012 recruit. Steve Lavin and his staff still are going hard for St. Anthony point guard Kyle Anderson, Philadelphia power forward Amile Jefferson, D.C. shooting guard Darrick Wood and California shooting guard Katlin Reinhardt.

Gathers and his Louisiana Elite AAU coach Scooter Owen gave The Post a look at what trump cards St. John's is using on the recruiting trail. Lavin boasts the NBA experience on his staff in assistants Rico Hines, Gene Keady and Mike Dunlap. He also accentuates the allure of New York City and of playing in the Garden.

'Ricardo is not outspoken and he's not shy,' Owens said. 'He's very open and smart. The staff did a great job of building the relationship and stressing their NBA record and all that New York has to offer. It's been a while since New Orleans sent a player to the Big East, and Ricardo is the perfect Big East player. He's a cross between Karl Malone and Charles Barkley.'

Gathers is rated by Rivals as the nation's No. 11 power forward and the No. 34 recruit overall. Jefferson is ranked as the No.10 power forward and No. 33 overall.

Lavin is going after the big men.

'I have a God given blessing for rebounding and it would be a shame not to use it,' Gathers said. 'Some people don't like to do it because it's a lot of work. They don't know what they're missing.'

Courtesy of www.nypost.com

Duke checking if Coach K violated rule during summer tournament - by Eurobasket News
Duke is investigating whether an NCAA recruiting rule was violated when coach Mike Krzyzewski reportedly offered a scholarship to a recruit during a summer tournament.

Forward Alex Poythress told CBSSports.com that Krzyzewski spoke to him earlier this week while he was in Orlando, Fla., for a tournament with his AAU team, the Georgia Stars, and offered him a scholarship.

NCAA rules prevent coaches from contacting recruits before they are finished playing in tournaments.

Duke spokesman Jon Jackson said in a statement Saturday that the school is gathering facts and that 'proper adherence to NCAA bylaws has always been, and will continue to be, a cornerstone of Duke Athletics.'

Poythress is a 6-foot-7 forward from Clarksville, Tenn. He is considered one of the nation's top high school seniors.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

*****************************************************
  POLAND   


U18: Lithuania edged the hosts for the 5th place - by Eurobasket News
Poland U18-Lithuania U18 66:78

Lithuania edged the hosts for the 5th place at the U18 European Championship in Division A. The Baltic side won 78:66 to send Poland to the 6th position.
Both teams desired to finish the tournament with the victory. More than 2000 fans came to support the last game of the home side that started with 20:18 after the first period. Semaska and Osvaldas Olisevicius (196-F-93) sent he teams to the lockers for 38:35 as the Baltic side won the frame 20-15. Lithuania added 25-16 in the third quarter as Marius Grigonis (194-F-94) and Michal Michalak (194-G-93) exchanged the shots at the end of the frame. Both teams nailed 15 points apiece in the last stanza for the final result.
Simonas Kymantas (204-C/F-93) led the way with 18 points and Osvaldas Olisevicius brought 16. Arturas Gudaitis (208-C-93) netted 14, while Semarka and Marius Grigonis delivered 10 apiece. Michal Michalak poured in 12 points in the losing effort and Mateusz Ponitka (196-G-93) scored 11.

Poland U18: Michal Michalak 12, Mateusz Ponitka 11, Daniel Szymkiewicz (193-G-94) 10
Lithuania U18: Simonas Kymantas 18, Osvaldas Olisevicius 16, Arturas Gudaitis 14, Semarka 10, Marius Grigonis 10


LKS Lodz recruit Jermaine Mallett - by Eurobasket News
Jermaine Mallett (190-G-88, agency: Interperformances) will start his professional career in Poland. The 22-year-old guard has agreed on terms of contract with LKS Lodz. Jermaine Mallett has just graduated from Missouri State University. He averaged 11.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game in his senior season. The guard was trumped All-MVC All-Tournament MVP. He also made it into NABC Division I All-District 16 1st Team.


*****************************************************
  PORTUGAL   


U16: Slovenia remains undefeated in Strumica - by Eurobasket News
Portugal U16-Slovenia U16 51:59

Slovenia remains undefeated in Strumica at the U16 European Championship in Division B. The team won over Portugal 59:51 for 3-0 record on top. The latter meanwhile dropped to 1-2 record on the 4th position.
Both teams scored 15 points in the opening frame, but Portugal could not score for the first 4 minutes in the start of the second period. Aleksej Nikolic (185-PG-95) brought 18:15 , while Amiel tied the game at 24:24. Moreiragave Portugal 28:26 at the halftime when the teams disappeared in the lockers. Slovenia needed two victories in the second half to clinch the win. At first they produced defensive 14-9 in the third period and won the game due to 19-14 in the last.
Matic Rebec (179-PG-95) stepped up with 16 points for the winners and Aleksej Nikolic notched 12. Jure Ritlop (202-F-95) chipped in 10 and Andraz Rogelija (186-PG-95) added 5. Diogo Gameiro (184-G-95) and Isaias Insaly (197-F/C-95) ended up with 11 points each as the latter also grabbed 17 rebounds.

Portugal U16: Diogo Gameiro 11, Isaias Insaly 11+17 rebs, Pedro Marques (181-PG-95) 10
Slovenia U16: Matic Rebec 16, Aleksej Nikolic 12, Jure Ritlop 10, Andraz Rogelija 5


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  PUERTO RICO   


BSN Finals: Capitanes jump to 3-1 lead against Pirates - by Eurobasket News
BSN Finals, Ggame 4: Arecibo - Quebradillas 89-82 OT (3-1)

Arecibo grabbed 89-82 OT win against Quebradillas in Game Four of the BSN Finals. Thanks to this win Capitanes jumped to 3-1 lead in the series. They need one more for the title. Game Five is scheduled for Monday and Quebradillas will be the host.
The hosts trailed by 2 points after three quarters before their 17-15 charge, which allowed them to tie the game at the end of regular time and get a 7-point victory in overtime. Worth to mention a great performance of international guard Guillermo Diaz (188-G-85, college: Miami, FL) who helped to win the game recording 29 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. International guard Larry Ayuso (190-77, college: USC, agency: Global Sports Plaza) contributed with 26 points for the winners. International center Peter John Ramos (222-85) replied with 29 points and 9 rebounds and FYR Macedonian-American guard Darius Washington (188-85, college: Memphis) added 12 points, 6 rebounds and 10 assists in the effort for Quebradillas. Four Quebradillas players scored in double figures.

Arecibo: G.Diaz 29+5reb+5ast, L.Ayuso 26+3reb, D.Pinnock 10+4reb+4ast, D.Cortes 9+1reb+2ast, D.Santiago 8+3reb+3ast, J.Aubry 4+10reb
Quebradillas: P.John Ramos 29+9reb+1ast, J.Jones 14+4reb, D.Washington 12+6reb+10ast, T.P.J. 10+12reb+2ast, D.Huertas 7+3reb+1ast, R.Apodaca 5+4reb+2ast
gschID: 131740




Stats Leaders - BSN
Points Per Game
 Angel Daniel VASSALLO
  Guaynabo
  (198-G/F-86)
  Avg: 22.2
 1. Vassallo, Guaynabo22.2 
 2. Ramos, Quebradillas21.8 
 3. Johnson, Humacao21.2 
 4. Dalmau, Bayamon20.5 
 5. Ayuso, Arecibo19.5 
 6. Villegas, Coamo19.1 
 7. Harris, San German18.3 
 8. Randolph, Isabela18.0 
 9. Carmona, Mayaguez17.0 
 10. Clinch, Isabela16.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Mike HARRIS
  San German
  (198-F-83)
  Avg: 12.3
 1. Harris, San German12.3 
 2. Randolph, Isabela12.3 
 3. Narvaez, Coamo11.6 
 4. Pruitt, Guaynabo11.3 
 5. Ramos, Quebradillas10.5 
 6. Lloreda, San G.10.0 
 7. Tucker, Quebradill.9.3 
 8. Clemente, Mayaguez9.1 
 9. Sweetney, Santurce9.1 
 10. Johnson, Humacao8.5 
Assists Per Game
 Andres RODRIGUEZ
  Arecibo
  (182-PG-81)
  Avg: 6.5
 1. Rodriguez, Arecibo6.5 
 2. Brown, Quebradillas5.9 
 3. Rivera, San German5.5 
 4. Dalmau, Bayamon5.4 
 5. Clinch, Isabela4.5 
 6. Clemente, Humacao4.4 
 7. Rivera, Mayaguez4.2 
 8. Guzman, Guaynabo4.2 
 9. Bruton, Quebradill.4.1 
 10. Copeland, San G.3.8 
Steals Per Game
 Andres RODRIGUEZ
  Arecibo
  (182-PG-81)
  Avg: 1.8
 1. Rodriguez, Arecibo1.8 
 2. Hinson, Isabela1.8 
 3. Rivera, Mayaguez1.6 
 4. Clinch, Isabela1.5 
 5. Hodge, Santurce1.4 
 6. Mojica, Bayamon1.4 
 7. Santiago, Santurce1.3 
 8. Chaney, Santurce1.3 
 9. Tucker, Quebradill.1.2 
 10. Carmona, Mayaguez1.2 
Blocks Per Game
 Kleon PENN
  Humacao
  (211-C-86)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Penn, Humacao2.6 
 2. Sanchez, Santurce1.9 
 3. Santiago, Arecibo1.8 
 4. Aubry, Arecibo1.6 
 5. Lee, Bayamon1.6 
 6. Harris, San German1.4 
 7. Randolph, Isabela1.4 
 8. Freije, Coamo1.1 
 9. Shannon, Bayamon1.0 
 10. Robinson, Mayagu.1.0 


*****************************************************
  ROMANIA   


Otopeni keeps Brian Burell - by Eurobasket News
Otopeni announced signing of one-year contract extension with Brian Burell (191-G-84, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: UTPA). It will be third straight season for the American guard with Otopeni. In the latest one he averaged 11.2 points and 4.3 rebounds for 27 games in Romanian Division A. Otopeni ended as No.9 and failed to reach the Playoffs. In 2009/10 season Burell registered 5.2 ppg and 2 rpg for 11 games. He helped Otopeni to reach the Romanian Cup Semifinals that season. He graduated at the University of Texas-Pan American three years ago. Burell had 13.6 ppg and 5.4 rpg for his school as a senior.
Except of Brian Burell, Otopeni also extended deals with Milan Medvedj (183-G-79) and Cortney Scott (196-F-82, agency: I.D.S. Law, college: Oakland). They landed Vladan Jocovic (211-C-82).

U16: Romania add to FYR Macedonia woes - by Eurobasket News
FYR Macedonia U16 - Romania U16 62:68

Romania opened win count at the U16 European Championship in Division B. They held off FYR Macedonia for 1-2 record in Group A. Mehmet Hortoglu (194-F-95) delivered 20 points to lead the effort. The hosts in the meantime suffered the second loss in a row.
Romania stunned their opponents in the opening quarter. The visitors went on a 21:10 run to build a comfortable lead. FYR Macedonia erupted for 25 points in the second quarter to narrow the deficit. The hosts went on a 7:0 run to surge ahead 42:41 early in the third frame. The lead changed hands throughout the period before Romania snatched a 53:50 advantage at the final break. FYR Macedonia surged back in front midway through the fourth quarter 61:59. But Hurtoglu triggered a 9:1 rally from Romania as they snatched victory. Vlad Cobzaru (203-C-95) tallied 17 points and 10 rebounds for Romania. Bogdan Pogacean (197-C-95) netted 8 points in the winning effort. Daniel Nacevski (191-F-95) responded with 13 points and 13 rebounds for FYR Macedonia. Stefan Trajkovski (186-G-95) had 12 points in the loss.

FYR Macedonia U16: Daniel Nacevski 13+13 boards, Stefan Trajkovski 12
Romania U16: Mehmet Hortoglu 20, Vlad Cobzaru 17+10 boards, Bogdan Pogacean 8


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  RUSSIA   


Grigoriy Andreev returns to Triumph - by Eurobasket News
Grigoriy Andreev (194-G/F-90) is coming back to Triumph. The 21-year-old has agreed on terms of contract with the team where he spent three seasons in 2007/2010. Last season Grigoriy Andreev played for Ural Ekaterinburg. He averaged 8.5 points, 2.2 assists and 2.1 rebounds per appearance. The guard played for U18 and U20 Russian National Teams.


U18: Russia clinched 9th place in Division A, Latvia is 10th - by Eurobasket News
Latvia U18-Russia U18 58:64

Russia clinched 9th place in Division A, Latvia is 10th after the game against each other. The Russian team needed 64:58 win to finish on one step higher.
Russia started the game confident and reached 16:6 after the first 10 minutes. Gleb Goldyrev (200-F-93) brought 19:10 and Andrey Loginov (204-F-93) scored the half at 26:22. The third period belonged to the Baltic side that first tied the game and even grabbed the lead at the end of the period. After 21-14 they enjoyed 43:40 entering the last stanza. Trailing 50:53, Russia erupted with 12-0 run to seal the victory.
Vladislav Trushkin (200-F-93) paced all the winners with 15 points and 16 rebounds, while Gleb Goldyrev notched 11. Andrey Loginov scored 10, while Aleksandr Gudumak (204-F-93) and Yury Karpenko (185-PG-93) added 6 apiece. Guntis Sipolins (200-F-93) netted 10 points in the losing effort and Andrejs Grazulis (203-C/F-93) chipped in 9.

Latvia U18: Guntis Sipolins 10, Andrejs Grazulis 9
Russia U18: Vladislav Trushkin 15+16 rebs, Gleb Goldyrev 11, Andrey Loginov 10, Aleksandr Gudumak 6, Yury Karpenko 6


*****************************************************
  SERBIA   


U18: Spain recorded the ninth straight win to triumph in Wroclaw - by Eurobasket News
Serbia U18-Spain U18 65:71

Spain recorded the ninth straight win at the U18 European Championship and won the tournament in Wroclaw. The Spanish outfit triumphed in the game over Serbia 71:65 with the late push for Gold.
The victory was really hard for the favorites of the tournament. Spain managed to take only 16:14 at the end of the first frame and Perez scored for 26:21. Jorge Sanz (188-PG-93) made two free throws for 37:33 and he also closed the half at 43:36. Serbia did not give up and bounced back for 51:54 after thirty minutes. Vasilije Micic (192-PG-94, agency: Beo Basket) later reduced to 60:62, but Spain replied with a 7-2 run to seal the victory and the trophy.
Jorge Sanz top-scored for the winners with 22 points and Alejandro Redondo (198-F/G-93) posted 16. Daniel Diez (199-F-93) followed them with 8 points in the winning effort. Vasilije Micic and Luka Mitrovic (204-F/C-93) responded with 13 points each in defeat and Stefan Popovski-Turanjanin (201-F-93, agency: Beo Basket) as well as Nenad Miljenovic (194-G-93, agency: Beo Basket) added 10 apiece.

Serbia U18: Vasilije Micic 13, Luka Mitrovic 13, Stefan Popovski-Turanjanin 10, Nenad Miljenovic 10
Spain U18: Jorge Sanz 22, Alejandro Redondo 16, Daniel Diez 8


Marko Cakarevic to miss EuroBasket 2011 - by Eurobasket News
Marko Cakarevic (200-F/G-88, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) is forced to miss EuroBasket 2011. The player struggles with injury and will not be able to help his country in Lithuania this summer. Cakarevic spent last two years with Radnicki Kragujevac. He exploded with 12.4 ppg, 6.6 rpg and 3.9 apg for 16 games in Serbian league last season. He also added 8.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg and 3 apg for 26 games in Adriatic league. Eurobasket awarded Cakarevic with Serbian League All-Domestic Players Team -11. He was also named Eurobasket.com Serbian League All-Defensive Team -11. In 2009/10 season Cakaravic had 7.4 ppg and 3.9 rpg for the club in Serbia. His numbers in Adriatic league were much lower. In the past, Marko Cakarevic played for Swisslion Takovo and Pelister Bitola. He also spent few years with ASVEL. Cakarevic signed a deal with Partizan this summer.

Universiade Team of Serbia exchanged victories with Hungary - by Eurobasket News
Universiade Team of Serbia exchanged victories with Hungary in Szombathely. In Day 1 Hungary National team won 81:73 although trailing after the first period. Serbia opened the game with 22-17, but the hosts bounced back with 28-22 in the second period fro 1-point halftime advantage. Hungary won the third period 21-17 and added 15-12 in the last quarter. Adam Hanga (201-G-89, agency: TSS Management) stepped up with 20 points fot the winners and Vojvoda netted 11. Mladen Jeremic (196-G-88, agency: Interperformances) replied with 15 points in the losing effort, while Lucic and Ljubicic posted 12 each.
Serbia won the second game 83:75 dominating the court. Serbia started with 24-12, while Hungary reduced the gap after 18-14 in the second frame. Moreover Hungary stayed closer after the third period that they also won 26-22. In the last period Serbia added 23-17 to win the game. Dusko Bunic (207-C-89) stepped up with 15 points, while Dimic and Lucic added 13 each. Mladen Jeremic and Vladimir Stimac (209-C-87, agency: Interperformances) followed them with 10 points apiece. Troter and Peter Lorant (207-F/C-85, agency: Laszlo Vinko Group) delivered 17 points each in the losing effort, while Horvat brought 11.




*****************************************************
  SLOVAKIA   


U16: Hungary closed Day 3 in Strumica with the win over Slovak Republic - by Eurobasket News
Slovak Republic U16-Hungary U16 48:69

Hungary grabbed 3-0 record in Group C of the U16 European Championship in Division B. They edged Slovak Republic 69:48 in Strumica in day 3 of the tournament. The latter fell at 0-3 record in the group.
Both teams nailed 12 points each in the opening period to set up the tone in the game. Slovak Republic surprised the opponents with 14-12 in the second frame, to take 2-points halftime advantage. The second half however completely belonged to Hungary. They won the third period 20-7 and added 25-15 in the last stanza. Boinitzer brought the last points for the winning side.
Laszlo Fulop (199-F-95) led the way with 14 points and Tibor Ban (185-G-95) added 13. Eric Vrana (189-G-95) finished the night with 12 points and Janos Velkey (193-G-95) scored 10. Matej Baluch (192-F-95) delivered 18 points in the losing case and Dalibor Hlivak (187-G-95) had 9.

Slovak Republic U16: Matej Baluch 18, Dalibor Hlivak 9
Hungary U16: Laszlo Fulop 14, Tibor Ban 13, Eric Vrana 12, Janos Velkey 10


*****************************************************
  SLOVENIA   


U16: Slovenia remains undefeated in Strumica - by Eurobasket News
Portugal U16-Slovenia U16 51:59

Slovenia remains undefeated in Strumica at the U16 European Championship in Division B. The team won over Portugal 59:51 for 3-0 record on top. The latter meanwhile dropped to 1-2 record on the 4th position.
Both teams scored 15 points in the opening frame, but Portugal could not score for the first 4 minutes in the start of the second period. Aleksej Nikolic (185-PG-95) brought 18:15 , while Amiel tied the game at 24:24. Moreiragave Portugal 28:26 at the halftime when the teams disappeared in the lockers. Slovenia needed two victories in the second half to clinch the win. At first they produced defensive 14-9 in the third period and won the game due to 19-14 in the last.
Matic Rebec (179-PG-95) stepped up with 16 points for the winners and Aleksej Nikolic notched 12. Jure Ritlop (202-F-95) chipped in 10 and Andraz Rogelija (186-PG-95) added 5. Diogo Gameiro (184-G-95) and Isaias Insaly (197-F/C-95) ended up with 11 points each as the latter also grabbed 17 rebounds.

Portugal U16: Diogo Gameiro 11, Isaias Insaly 11+17 rebs, Pedro Marques (181-PG-95) 10
Slovenia U16: Matic Rebec 16, Aleksej Nikolic 12, Jure Ritlop 10, Andraz Rogelija 5


U18: Germany edge Slovenia to clinch 11th place in Wroclaw - by Eurobasket News
Germany U18 - Slovenia U18 86:73

Germany finished their U18 European Championship campaign on a high note. They overcame Slovenia to claim the 11th place at the tournament. Dennis Schroeder (184-G-93) stepped up with 22 points, 8 assists and 3 rebounds to lead the effort.
Germany capped the first term on a 10:1 run to post a 20:12 lead. Richter opened a double-digit lead for Germany at the start of the second term but Slovenia immediately answered with 9 points in a row to narrow the deficit. Germany however cleared off soon to build an 18-point buffer late in the half. Slovenia narrow the gap at 11-point mark at halftime 30:41. Germany maintained the lead throughout the third quarter. They registered a 67:53 lead at the final break. Slovenia never got closer than 10 points in the fourth period as Germany rolled to the win. Bogdan Radosavljevic (211-C-93) delivered 21 points and 8 rebounds, while Paul Zipser (195-G-94) and Stephan Haukohl (200-F-93) added 11 points each in the win. Luka Rupnik (184-PG-93) responded with 20 points and 8 assists for Slovenia. Jan Osolnik (203-F-93) had 15 points in the loss.

Germany U18: Dennis Schroeder 22, Bogdan Radosavljevic 21, Paul Zipser 11, Stephan Haukohl 11
Slovenia U18: Luka Rupnik 20, Jan Osolnik 15


*****************************************************
  SPAIN   


Menorca signs Roberto Morentin - by Eurobasket News
Menorca announced signing of Roberto Morentin (206-F/C-81, college: Cent.Florida) for the next season. The Spanish big guy left Murcia, where he spent 2010/11. Morentin helped Murcia to win the LEB Gold title and of course the promotion to ACB. He averaged 6.2 points 4.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 34 games for the club. Season 2009/10, Roberto Morentin spent with Melilla. He had 7.6 ppg, 5.5 rpg and 1.7 apg that season in 43 games. They reached LEB Gold Semifinals and won the LEB Gold Cup. In the past, Motenrin played for Breogan, Valladolid and Gijon. He also has experience from Alicante. It was in 2004/05 season, when Morentin had 2.8 ppg and 1.6 rpg for 18 games in ACB.

U18: Spain recorded the ninth straight win to triumph in Wroclaw - by Eurobasket News
Serbia U18-Spain U18 65:71

Spain recorded the ninth straight win at the U18 European Championship and won the tournament in Wroclaw. The Spanish outfit triumphed in the game over Serbia 71:65 with the late push for Gold.
The victory was really hard for the favorites of the tournament. Spain managed to take only 16:14 at the end of the first frame and Perez scored for 26:21. Jorge Sanz (188-PG-93) made two free throws for 37:33 and he also closed the half at 43:36. Serbia did not give up and bounced back for 51:54 after thirty minutes. Vasilije Micic (192-PG-94, agency: Beo Basket) later reduced to 60:62, but Spain replied with a 7-2 run to seal the victory and the trophy.
Jorge Sanz top-scored for the winners with 22 points and Alejandro Redondo (198-F/G-93) posted 16. Daniel Diez (199-F-93) followed them with 8 points in the winning effort. Vasilije Micic and Luka Mitrovic (204-F/C-93) responded with 13 points each in defeat and Stefan Popovski-Turanjanin (201-F-93, agency: Beo Basket) as well as Nenad Miljenovic (194-G-93, agency: Beo Basket) added 10 apiece.

Serbia U18: Vasilije Micic 13, Luka Mitrovic 13, Stefan Popovski-Turanjanin 10, Nenad Miljenovic 10
Spain U18: Jorge Sanz 22, Alejandro Redondo 16, Daniel Diez 8


Leon extends Julio Gonzalez - by Eurobasket News
Julio Alberto Gonzalez (196-G/F-81) will play at least one more year with Baloncesto Leon. The team announced signing of contract extension today. Gonzalez joined Leon last summer from Tenerife. He appeared 38 times in LEB Gold averaging 10.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists. He also played couple of years for Leon in the past. From 2007 until the last summer Julio Alberto Gonzalez was a member of Tenerife. In their last season together he had 7 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 1.9 apg in 34 LEB Gold games. He helped Tenerife to reach LEB Gold Finals in 2008. That year he had 5 ppg and 3.2 rpg. Julio Alberto Gonzalez also has experience from Los Barrios. He played there from 2004 to 2007.

Captain Pedro Robles leaves UCAM Murcia - by Eurobasket News
Pedro Robles (192-G-77) is no longer a member of UCAM Murcia. The long-serving captain left the club after six years and two promotions. Last season Robles helped Murcia to win the LEB Gold title. He had 8.6 ppg and 1.2 rpg for 30 games. They also won promotion from LEB1 to ACB in 2006. It was the first year for Robles in Murcia. At that time he had 10.4 ppg and 1.7 rpg in 34 games. They won the LEB1 title and LEB1 Cup that year. In the past, Pedro Robles played for Tenerife, Pamesa and Gijon. He also has experience from Estudiantes Madrid. With Pamesa, Robles won the ULEB Cup in 2003. With Estu, he won the Copa del Rey in 2000.

Bobcats' Biyombo still not cleared to play in NBA - by Eurobasket News
The NBA lockout isnt the only thing keeping the Charlotte Bobcats from signing their top draft pick. In addition to the work stoppage, Bismack Biyombo (6'10''-C-92) is still waiting for NBA clearance from FIBA. Via the Charlotte Observer: FIBA, basketballs international governing body, recently declined to provide the NBA clearance to sign forward Bismack Biyombo, the Observer has learned. Biyombo, drafted seventh overall in June, is still under contract to a Spanish team and the Spanish Federation is enforcing that contract. In an email reply to an Observer inquiry, FIBA spokesman Andrew Robotham wrote: The NBA has indeed requested a Letter of Clearance (LoC) for the Player Bismack Biyombo. In accordance with the NBA/FIBA Agreement, FIBA has contacted the Spanish Federation in order to obtain the LoC. However, the Spanish Basketball Federation refused to issue the LoC in view of the fact that the Player is still under contract with a team in Spain. That Spanish team, Fuenlabrada, reportedly has Biyombo under contract for the next two seasons and expects a buyout of about $1.4 million to release him to the Bobcats. Though Biyombo expressed great confidence hed be a Bobcat once the lockout ends ( Im going to play in the NBA next season for sure, 100 percent, he said the day after the draft), FIBAs recent action suggests things could get sticky. A mediation session between Fuenlabrada and Biyombos representatives was scheduled for early July. The results of that session have not been made public. The Observer was unsuccessful in reaching Biyombos agent, Igor Crespo, for comment. Bobcats officials are barred by the NBA from commenting on their players during the lockout, under the threat of a million-dollar fine. While FIBAs recent action could complicate things, this cant come as much of a surprise to the Bobcats. When asked about Biyombos contract situation on draft night, general manager Rich Cho commented, Hes got a dispute with his Spanish team. Its something well have to address. Its a little bit complicated.

Courtesy of www.slamonline.com

La Palma tab Luke Sikma - by Eurobasket News
Luke Sikma (203-F-89) will start his pro career in Spain. He inked a deal with La Palma. Luke Sikma has just graduated from the University of Portland. The 22-year-old forward averaged 12.9 points, 10.5 boards, 2.6 assists and 1.3 steals per game in his senior season. He was named into All-WCC 1st Team. Luke Sikma participated at Pre-NBA Draft Portsmouth Invitational Tournament. The forward notched 8.3 points, 9.0 boards, 1.7 assists and 1.0 steal per game.


*****************************************************
  SWEDEN   


Uppsala signs Odin Lindell - by Eurobasket News
Odin Lindell (203-F-90) is a new member of Uppsala Basket. The Swedish forward signed a one-year deal with his new club. He arrives to Uppsala from Eco Orebro, where he spent last two seasons. In the latest one Lindell had 6.6 ppg and 4.9 rpg in 34 games. In 2009/10, he averaged 5.1 ppg and 3.9 rpg for 38 games. In the past, Lindell also played for IK Eos and Helsinborg. Odin Lindell played for the U20 Swedish National Team last year. He helped them win the Silver at the European Championships U20 Division B in Austria. He had 2.4 ppg and 2.5 rpg for 8 games at this event. Lindell reached Semifinals two years ago at the European Championships U20 Division B in Skopje. He also played for U18 and U16 Sweden in the past.

U16: Sweden wins over Armenia for the second victory in Group C - by Eurobasket News
Armenia U16-Sweden U16 79:85

Sweden wins over Armenia for the second win in Group C of the U16 European Championship in Division B. The Scandinavian team won 85:79 and improved to 2-1 record. Armenia suffered the second loss and dropped to 1-2 record.
It was the game for the second victory in the tournament and both teams desired to improve to the positive record. Sweden started with 18-16 as Johansson made a free throw at the end of the quarter. The second period was a nightmare for Armenia that failed with 13-29. The latter tried to catch up with the opponents in the second half but could not tie the game. Armenia won the third period 28-20 and added 22-18 in the last stanza, but lost by 6 points.
Ludvig Hakanson (187-PG-96) paced all the winners with 19 points, while Filip Kovacek (180-PG-95) added 13. Eduardo Mondolfi (197-F-95) and David Terins (192-G-95) followed them with 9 points apiece for the second victory. Vladimir Radivoevich (95) replied with 24 points and massive 18 rebounds in defeat and Andrey Konstantinov (95) scored 19. Sergei Pogosyan (95) nailed 18, whilst Arkadiy Mkrtychyan (95) delivered 9.

Armenia U16: Vladimir Radivoevich 24+18 rebs, Andrey Konstantinov 19, Sergei Pogosyan 18, Arkadiy Mkrtychyan 9
Sweden U16: Ludvig Hakanson 19, Filip Kovacek 13, Eduardo Mondolfi 9, David Terins 9


*****************************************************
  SWITZERLAND   


Fribourg bring in Brendon Polyblank and Duke-Jermaine Forbes - by Eurobasket News
Benetton Fribourg have secured the services of Brendon Polyblank (200-G/F-78, college: Texas St.) and Duke-Jermaine Forbes (186-G-80, college: W.Georgia) for the next season.
Brandon Polyblank is coming back to Switzerland after a stint in New Zealand. The forward played for the Southland Sharks in NBL season. He posted 19.0 points, 5.0 boards, 2.2 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Last season Brendon Polyblank spent in Lions de Geneve. He averaged 20.1 points, 5.3 boards and 3.7 assists per game before leaving in December for personal reasons. Brendon Polyblank is not new to Benetton Fribourg. The forward played for team in 2009/10 season averaging 13.5 points, 5.5 boards and 1.9 assists.
Duke-Jermaine Forbes played for the Plymouth Raiders in BBL last season. The guard averaged 5.6 points, 2.4 boards and 2.1 assists per appearance. Duke-Jermaine Forbes is not new to Switzerland. He spent two seasons with BBC Nyon in 2008/10. Duke-Jermaine Forbes also had stints in Spain, Hungary and France. The guard participated at Eurobasket Summer Camp in Cologne this summer. He posted 22.7 points and 5.3 rebounds per game for Team Sofia.


Lugano Tigers invite Delvon Johnson - by Eurobasket News
Delvon Johnson (205-F-89, agency: Priority Sports) joined Lugano Tigers for try-outs. The 22-year-old forward has just graduated from the University of Arkansas. He tallied 9.6 points, 7.2 boards and 2.9 blocks per game in his senior season. Delvon Johnson participated at Pre-NBA Draft Portsmouth Invitational Tournament. His stats read 4.0 points, 4.5 boards, 1.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 2.0 blocks per appearance.


U16: Switzerland handle Ireland, stay perfect - by Eurobasket News
Switzerland U16-Ireland U16 65:47

Switzerland handles Ireland to stay perfect at the U16 European Championship in Division B. The Swiss side needed 65:47 for 3-0 record on top of Group C. Ireland meanwhile dropped to 0-3 record on the bottom of the group.
Switzerland opened the game with 18-13 as Randon Gruninger (190-F-95) closed the first period. They added 17-11 in the second period for 35:24 advantage after the first two quarters. The third quarter brought 20-8 on the board that totaled to 55:32 after thirty minutes. Ireland managed to win the last frame 15-10 and reduced to 18 points at the very end.
Mathias Tolusso (186-G-95) and Randon Gruninger stepped up with 15 points each for the winners to remain perfect. Cyril Bachler (192-F-95) netted 9, while Arnaud Cotture (200-F/C-95) collected 8 points and 10 rebounds. Jason Carr (188-C-95) ended up with 10 points and 12 rebounds for Ireland and Patrick Lyons (187-G-95) added 9.

Switzerland U16: Mathias Tolusso 15, Randon Gruninger 15, Cyril Bachler 9, Arnaud Cotture 8+10 rebs
Ireland U16: Jason Carr 10+12 rebs, Patrick Lyons 9


*****************************************************
  TURKEY   


Kenyon Dooling nears dealing with Anadolu Efes Istanbul - The experienced player heading to Europe - by Pervin Elgin
Bucks guard Keyon Dooling is nearing agreement on a contract with Efes Istanbul, the Turkish team which recently signed New Jersey Nets guard Sasha Vujacic. Kenge Stevenson, the Dallas-based agent for Dooling, said progress is being made and a deal with Efes could be completed in the next few days. Stevenson said Dooling would expect to play in Turkey next season even if the lockout ends and any opt-out clause would be for legal purposes. The veteran has one year and $2 million remaining on his contract with the Bucks, but Stevenson indicated he thought an agreement could be reached to allow Dooling to play in Europe in the event the lockout was settled. Dooling served as as backup at both the point guard and shooting guard positions for the Bucks last season. He played in 80 games, including 22 starts, and averaged 7.1 points and 3.0 assists. The 31-year-old Dooling has played 11 NBA seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, New Jersey and Milwaukee. 'He likes the team situation,' Stevenson said of Efes. 'He's a basketball aficionado and he pays attention to basketball all over the globe.'

Source: Sportando

Andre Smith joins Pepsi JuveCaserta - by Eurobasket Center
Pepsi JuveCaserta agreed terms with 26-year old American forward Andre Smith (203-F-85, college: N.Dakota St.). Smith played most recently at Pinar Karsiyaka SK Izmir (Turkey). While playing 22 games in Turkish League for Karsiyaka last season he recorded 18.8ppg (4th best in the league), 7.8rpg, 1.6apg and 1.9spg (5th best in the league). He also played 12 games in EuroChallenge and his stats were Score-5 (17.7ppg), 9.0rpg (4th best in the league), 1.6apg and 1.3spg. Smith helped Karsiyaka to make it to EuroChallenge Quarterfinals, which was the biggest international achievement in club history. Here he was selected to Eurobasket.com All-EuroChallenge 3rd Team. But the really spectacular was his season in Turkish league, which is considering by one of the top leagues in Europe, and definitely #1 raising league in Europe in last few years. Smith was selected at the end of season as Eurobasket.com All-Turkish League Import Player of the Year and Forward of the Year. Smith is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in Germany, Japan, Poland, Switzerland, Turkey and United Kingdom.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Kobe Bryant to Besiktas has 'zero percent' chance - by Eurobasket News
Could all this Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) to Turkey talk turn out to be just talk?

Both NBA.com and Yahoo! Sports reported on Sunday that there is a 'zero percent' chance Bryant plays for Besiktas -- the Turkish professional team that agreed to sign New Jersey Nets All-Star point guard and has been actively pursuing Bryant for weeks -- during a work stoppage caused by the ongoing NBA lockout.

Here's NBA.com's report on Twitter.

Source: Kobe Bryant has not spoken with Turkish team in 2 wks. Current chance he plays there in fall: 'zero percent.' Source does indicate Bryant would consider overseas options if lockout continues.

Here's Yahoo!'s virtually identicalreport on Twitter.

Source says Lakers' Kobe Bryant hasnt talked to Turkey Besiktas in 2 weeks & currently there is a 0% chance he goes there... Source added Kobe is considering other overseas options is lockout doesn't end.

The dual reports come just one day after Bryant was reportedly scheduled to meet with Besiktas officials.

As we've noted before, Bryant's age, injury history and the $83 million set to be paid to him by the Lakers over the course of the next three seasons work against him playing professionally in a competitive league during the lockout.

Pursuing Bryant was a high-reward and no-risk situation for Besiktas. Tying their club name to a player of Bryant's stature only increases the club's profile. Besiktas doesn't need to worry about catching backlash over a failed effort because it already has Williams waiting in the wings. Landing Bryant would have been incredible -- a globe-stopping move, at least in the basketball world -- but life will go on for the club.

As will, surely, negotiations between Bryant's representatives and the other clubs and interests looking to get in on the action. Whatever that action might be.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

U18: Turkey tastes Bronze in Poland - by Eurobasket News
Italy U18-Turkey U18 65:69

Turkey tastes Bronze in Poland at the U18 European Championship in Division A. The Turkish team needed 69:65 over Italy to finish third. The Italian team dropped to the fourth place despite leading scorer Amedeo Della Valle attempted to play after missing the last two games.
Italy opened the game with 21-19 at the end of the first period and added 20-13 in the second frame. Giovara brought 41:32 at the end of the half as Italian team seemed to be confident in the game. In the second half Turkey however came back into the game. Ahmet Tuncer (193-G-93) gave the latter 51:50 after thirty minutes and another 18-15 in the last stanza brought the victory s well as the third place for Turkey.
Tayfun Erulku (188-G/F-94) stepped up with 12 points and Ahmet Tuncer netted 10, while three other teammates scored 8 apiece. Francesco Veccia (190-G-93) answered with 14 points in defeat and Matteo Imbro (190-PG-94) posted 13. Amedeo Tessitori (203-C-94) ended up with 12 points, while Mattia Magrini (190-G-93) chipped in 10.

Italy U18: Francesco Veccia 14, Matteo Imbro 13, Amedeo Tessitori 12, Mattia Magrini 10
Turkey U18: Tayfun Erulku 12, Ahmet Tuncer 10


*****************************************************
  UKRAINE   


Ukraine destroyed Jordan to finish second in Aerosvit Cup - by Eurobasket News
Ukraine-Jordan 104:75

Ukraine destroyed Jordan in their last game of Aerosvit Cup in Kiev. The hosts won 104:75 to finish second.
Sergii Gladyr (196-G/F-88) stepped up with 15 points and Viacheslav Kravtsov (212-C-87, agency: Beo Basket), Pecherov and Alexander Kolchenko (198-F/G-88, agency: Beo Basket) netted 12 points each. Kyrylo Fesenko (213-C-86) followed them with 10 points and made 3 outstanding blocks. Rasheim Wright (194-G-81, college: District of Col.) erupted with 27 points and Al-Khas Zaid (206-C-76, college: Gannon) posted 16 in defeat.
The National Team of Belarus became the winner of the Aerosvit Cup in Kiev. The team lost the last game to Estonia 70:72 but had a better points difference. Belarus, Ukraine and Estonia finished with 2-1 records, while Belarus triumphed with a 2-point margin.
Pavel Ulyanko became MVP of the tournament. Kristjan Kangur was named the best Forward, while his teammate Sokk became the best Guard. Ukrainian Viacheslav Kravtsov received the best Center Award.

Ukraine: Sergii Gladyr 15, Viacheslav Kravtsov 12, Pecherov 12, Alexander Kolchenko 12, Kyrylo Fesenko 10
Jordan: Rasheim Wright 27, Al-Khas Zaid 16


U18: Ukraine sent Czech Republic to Division B - by Eurobasket News
Ukraine U18- Czech Republic U18 87:73

Ukraine sent Czech Republic to Division B of the U18 European Championship for 2012. Ukraine beat them 88:73 and won the Classification Round for 13-16 places. Czech Republic won and lost two games to finish on the 15th spot and as well as Finland will be eliminated to the lower Division.
Ukraine won the opening period 23-21 and added massive 27-18 in the second period. Vladimir Gerun (206-C-94) made two free throws for 50:39 after the first 20 minutes in the court. Ukraine also won the third quarter 23-14 to increase to 20 points entering the last stanza. Czech Republic replied with 20-14 in the last stanza to reduce to 14 points.
Vladimir Gerun paced all the winners with 25 points and 10 rebounds, while Klym Artamonov (176-PG-93) followed him with 24. Illya Zhukovsky (190-F-93) scored 12 and Anatoliy Shundel (199-F-93) posted 10. Tomas Kyzlink (197-F/G-93) answered with 16 points in defeat and Jan Svandrlik (196-F-94) nailed 13. Petr Herman (204-C-94) produced 12, while Michal Bernath (200-F-93) delivered 11.

Ukraine U18: Vladimir Gerun 25+10 rebs, Klym Artamonov 24, Illya Zhukovsky 12, Anatoliy Shundel 10
Czech Republic U18: Tomas Kyzlink 16, Jan Svandrlik 13 Petr Herman 12, Michal Bernath 11


*****************************************************
  UNITED KINGDOM   


U16: England rally past Georgia for third straight win in Strumica - by Eurobasket News
England U16 - Georgia U16 69:58

England registered the third consecutive win at the U16 European Championship in Division B. They prevailed against Georgia to remain on top of Group A. Luke Nelson (185-PG-95) stepped up with 16 points to pace the winners. Georgia fell at 1-1 record after the defeat.
England overwhelmed their opponents in the first half. They built a comfortable 27:11 lead after ten minutes of action. England stayed in charge in the second period posting a 45:21 halftime lead. But Georgia managed to slow their opponents down in the third quarter. Georgia cut the deficit to just 9 points with one quarter remaining 43:52. Liluashvili dragged Georgia within 8 points midway through the final period. However Luke Nelson came up with key five points in a row as England ran away for the victory at the end. Tamas Okros (F-95) provided 12 points, while Tyrell Isaacs (G-95) netted 11 points in the win. Nugzar Abuladze (182-G-95) responded with 12 points for Georgia. Ucha Gamreklidze (200-C-95) and Kakhaber Tomaradze (193-G-95) provided 10 points each in the loss.

England U16: Luke Nelson 16, Tamas Okros 12, Tyrell Isaacs 11
Georgia U16: Nugzar Abuladze 12, Ucha Gamreklidze 10, Kakhaber Tomaradze 10


Rowe Rejoins Raiders - by Paul Nilsen
The UCP Marjon Plymouth Raiders have announced that team captain Anthony Rowe (203-F-85, college: N.Georgia) will be returning to the Raiders for the 2011/12 season. The 68 forward was Head Coach Gavin Loves priority signing this summer, and after thinking about the various situations offered to him over the summer, Rowe has decided to rejoin the Raiders.

Its absolutely fantastic news for the team, said Love. Its great that our captain Ant Rowe is returning! He had an excellent year last year and I'm confident he will take his game to another level this season and yet again be one of the premier players in the league. He works harder than anyone and is the most dedicated player I know. Im sure the fans will be delighted that a local player who came through the successful Plymouth Raiders development programme will lead us again this season in what will be an exciting and successful year!

Rowe averaged last season 16.6 points per game along with 8.9 rebounds, while shooting a very healthy 55% from the field. He was captain of the team that transformed a 10th place finish in 2009/10 into a 5th position last year. This year, Rowe is hoping to help the team finish even higher.

Raiders faced very stiff competition from other teams to sign Rowe this summer. But ultimately, it was his belief in the team that Coach Gavin Love is building this year and his loyalty for his home city that won out.

Rowe first came through the Raiders junior development system, joining the club when he was 13 and moving through each of the age groups dominating games. He then left when he was 19 to take up the offer of a basketball scholarship at North Georgia State College. Upon graduating, he was offered a deal in France, but when that didnt work out, he quickly re-joined the Raiders. The 2011/12 season will be his third season with the BBL team.


U16: England wins Group A in Strumica - by Eurobasket News
Luxembourg U16-England U16 64:81

England wins Group A in Strumica with the perfect record 4-0. The favorites of the group overcame Luxembourg on Sunday 81:64 as the latter dropped to 1-2 record. The win saw England wrap up a perfect record in the preliminary round of the competition in F.Y.R. Macedonia, and they now have two days of rest before going into the last eight stage carrying a 1-0 record forward with them.
England easily started the game with 6-0 run and reached 15:3 after the first period. Tamas Okros (F-95) scored for 35:27 at the end of the second frame as Luxembourg woke up with 24-20 in the period. Moreover another 24-22 in the third period brought Luxembourg to 6 points entering the last stanza. England needed 24-13 in the last quarter to win the game and remained perfect.
Morayoninuoluwa Soluade (194-G-95) paced all the winners with 18 points and Samuel Round (G-95) netted 13. Tyrell Isaacs (G-95) scored 10 and Tamas Okros notched 9. Thomas Grun (194-G/F-95) collected 14 points and 10 rebounds in defeat and Timothy Kauffmann (191-F-96) posted 11.

Luxembourg U16: Thomas Grun 14+10 rebs, Timothy Kauffmann 11, Schmit 10
England U16: Morayoninuoluwa Soluade 18, Samuel Round 13, Tyrell Isaacs 10, Tamas Okros 9


WORLD PEACE MAY START IN CHESHIRE!! - by Greg
In an amazing week of Twitter exchanges Ron Artest (201-G/F-79, college: St.John's) tweeted late on Friday I think I might play for Jets in UK!!!! Cant wait!!!!
Since his revelation on Friday the Jets have spoken to Artest about the possibility of him playing in the BBL during the 2011/12 season. Artest has since changed his twitter profile picture to a mock up of what could be his jets kit and Jets management have started to talk through arrangements of what could be a possible deal.
Artest is currently in year 2 of a 5 year $33m contract with The LA Lakers in the NBA. However the NBA are currently in a lock out as owners and The NBA Players Association try to reach agreement on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, in the event that this isnt resolved it effectively leaves NBA players as free agents for the coming season.
The news of the 6 ft 8 forwards possible move to the UK has made both the LA Times and the Sunday Mirror over the weekend. Artest, who is currently reported to be going through the American Court system in order to change his name to Metta World Peace was quoted as saying he favours the BBL over other European leagues.
Peter Hawkins, Director of The Jets has said;
we are honoured that Ron has even mentioned the prospect of joining The Jets, financially we have nothing to offer him but it would be so significant for UK basketball we have offered him a stake in the club and all the love in the world! To have a genuine NBA superstar even considering coming to The BBL as massive news for our sport and could be the launch pad we need in this country to give the sport the profile it deserves, it might even get the BBC interested in showing the sport!

Courtesy of jetsbasketball.co.uk



*****************************************************
  WILLIAM JONES CUP   


Standings
Standings
1. Iran0-0
2. Jordan0-0
3. Japan0-0
4. S.Korea0-0
5. Malaysia0-0
6. Philippines0-0
7. S.Africa0-0
8. Taiwan0-0
9. UAE0-0




*****************************************************

Women News

*****************************************************
  AFRICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U16 - Women  


Mali defends the Gold - by Eurobasket News
Mali outplayed Egypt 66-54 in the Big Final of U16 AfroBasket 2011. It means that Mali defended the title which they won two years ago. Fanta Dire was the leading player in victory with 21 points. Awa Keita secured a great help adding 19 points and 14 boards. In the loosing squad, Soraia Yehia delivered 16 points. She was named MVP of the tournament, despite her team lost in the Big Final.
In the battle for Bronze, Angola was better than Tunisia 59-55. Rosa Gala of Angola finished as tthe best scorer of the championship. She nailed 157 points in total. Soraia Yehia followed her with 118 and Wafa Loubiri is third best scorer with 100 pts. All other players had much lower digits.

STATS LEADERS

MVP of the tournament
Soraia Yehia of Egypt

Individual awards
MVP : Soraia Yehia (Egypt)
Best scorer : Rosa Gala (Angola) with 157 points
Best reboundeur : Maimouna Diallo (Mali) with 99 rebounds
Best 3 points shooter : Rosa Gala (Angola)

Top 5 of the Tournament
Point guard : Soraia Yehia (Egypt)
Forward : Wafa Loubiri (Tunisia)
Forward : Rosa Gala (Angola)
Center : Maimouna Diallo (Mali)
Center : Khouloud Akrout (Tunisia)

Final standings
1. Mali
2. Egypt
3. Angola
4. Tunisia
5. Algeria
6. Mozambique

*****************************************************
  AUSTRALIA - Women  


China lose to Opals in Tour of Australia finale - by Eurobasket News
Australia - China 98:72

Australia recorded the third straight win over China in the exhibition series. This time the Opals claimed a comprehensive 26-point win in Townsville. Abby Bishop (189-C-88) stepped up with 20 points to pace the winners.
Australia started the game on a full speed. They accounted for 27 points in the starting quarter to ensure a 5-point lead before the second term. The margin kept on growing in the second frame. The Opals limited China to 9 points in the second quarter to post a 48:31 halftime lead. Australia exploded with 28 points in the third period to clear off to a 25-point lead at the final break. The hosts never looked back racing to the victory at the end. Suzy Batkovic-Brown (193-C-80) delivered 19 points and 6 boards for Australia. Kristen Veal (176-G-81) contributed 12 points in the victory. Miao LiJie (180-G-81) responded with 23 points for China. Chen Nan (197-C-83) had 12 points and 11 rebounds in the loss.

Australia: Abby Bishop 20, Suzy Batkovic-Brown 19, Kristen Veal 12
China: Miao LiJie 23, Chen Nan 12+11 boards


U19 Spain heads to Finals of FIBA U19 World Championship in Chile - by Eurobasket News
U19 SPAIN - U19 AUSTRALIA 55-49

Another great performance by Spain in Chile. It was the Semifinals game of the FIBA U19 World Championship and Spain celebrated 55-49 win against Australia. Thanks to this win Spain secured at least Silver, but they will have a chance to fight for the Gold and their rival will be USA. Australia will try to win the Bronze at this event. In order to do it Australia will have to beat Brazil. Astou Ndour (193-C-94) had double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. Mariona Ortiz (183-F-92) scored 10 points and handed out 5 assists, while Laura Gil (190-C-92, agency: Josep and Nicolas) added 8 points and 9 boards. In defeat, Rebecca Cole (177-PG-92) delivered 14 points. Their second scorer was Sara Blicavs (188-F-93) with 11 pts. Quarters: 16-15, 8-5, 13-15, 18-14. Sunday is the last day of the championship.

Spain: Astou Ndour 13+13 boards, Mariona Ortiz 10+5 as, Laura Gil 8+9 boards
Australia: Rebecca Cole 14, Sara Blicavs 11

*****************************************************
  BRAZIL - Women  


Brasilian WNBA watch - by Mel Devonne
The Atlanta Dream of the WNBA contain the lone 2 Brasilian players, Izzy Castro and Erika De Souza (197-C-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas).
Although the team is improving after a slow start, both Erika , and Izzy are having down years after a great 2010 season.
Izzy Castro is averaging 8ppg, down from last year, and Erika is averaging 11ppg and 8 rpg also down from last year.
Both Brasilian players didnt make the all star game held last week, but the team is hoping to see improvement as
the Dream try to make the playoffs after making to the league finals last season.
Izzy and Erika both play year round which could be equated to their inconsistent play this season.
The WNBA season, the european season and the FIBA tournaments often wear down some players. Izzy Castro and Erika
de Souza may need some beach time after the WNBA season to recharge their basketball batteries.
But we are proud of our 2 Brasilian WNBA players, and we wish them good luck in the second half of the WNBA season.

U19 USA eliminates U19 Brazil 82-66 in the Semis - by Eurobasket News
U19 USA - U19 BRAZIL 82-66

USA cruised past Brazil 82-66 in the Semifinals of the FIBA U19 World Championship in Chile. USA advanced to the Big Final, where they will meet Spain. Of course, the winner will take the Gold at this event. Brazil will play against Australia for the Bronze. Bria Hartley (5'10''-G-92) was the leading player in victory with 20 points. Stefanie Dolson (6'5''-C-92) had 12 points and 8 rebounds, while Cierra Burdick (6'2''-F-93) added 11 pts and 9 rebounds for 15 minutes on the court. In Brazil, Damiris Dantas (6'4''-C-92) came up with 13 points and 8 rebounds. Joice Coelho (5'9''-F-93) and Tassia Carcavalli (5'10''-F-92) netted 12 and 11 points respectively. Quarters: 20-15, 29-21, 17-16, 16-14. Championship ends today.

USA: Bria Hartley 20, Stefanie Dolson 12+8 boards, Cierra Burdick 11+9 boards
Brazil: Damiris Dantas 13+8 boards, Joice Coelho 12, Tassia Carcavalli 11

Celta close to sign Brazilian prospect Damiris Dantas - by Eurobasket News
Celta is close to make great move for the future. The Spanish outfit is close to sign a deal with center Damiris Dantas (192-C-92). The 18-year-old player currently competes at the FIBA U19 World Championship in Chile. She demonstrated magnificent performance so far and for sure will be named one of the best players at this event. Dantas appeared 8 times for U19 Brazil so far averaging 20.3 points and 12.5 rebounds. Brazil will fight for the Bronze medal today against Canada. Damiris Dantas paced Brazilian senior NT to Gold at the South American Championships in Santiago last year. She had 11.4 ppg and 5.2 rpg for 5 games at this event. She also won the Silver at the FIBA Americas U18 Championships in Colorado Springs (USA) -10. Dantas played for Divino/COC/Jundia most recently.

*****************************************************
  CANADA - Women  


U19 Canada outplays U19 Japan 77-71 - by Eurobasket News
U19 CANADA - U19 JAPAN 77-71

Canada made a first step forward to fifth place at the FIBA U19 World Championship in Chile. They handed 77-71 loss to Japan and will have to beat France in order to win position No.5. On the other side, Japan will meet Russia in the battle for seventh place. Both games will be played today. Michelle Plouffe (193-C-92) top-scored for Canada with 19 points and she pulled down 8 rebounds beside that. Nirra Fields (178-PG-93) had 14 points and 7 rebounds, while Katherine Plouffe (190-C-92) helped with 13 pts and 7 rebs. In Japan, Shiori Takada (170-G-92) collected 29 points and 5 rebounds. Rui Machida (160-PG-93) had 14 pts, 8 rebs and 11 assists. Quarters: 27-17, 20-11, 14-11, 16-32. Today is the last day of the championship in Chile.

Canada: Michelle Plouffe 19+8 boards, Nirra Fields 14+7 boards, Katherine Plouffe 13+7 boards
Japan: Shiori Takada 29+5 boards, Rui Machida 14+8 boards+11 as

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  CHILE - Women  


U19 Taiwan takes 11th place in Chile, hosts are No.12 - by Eurobasket News
U19 CHILE - U19 TAIWAN 49-86

Taiwan celebrated in their last game at the FIBA U19 World Championship in Chile. Taiwan destroyed the host of this event 86-49 to win the 11th place. Chile finished as No.12. Lin Yu-Ting (183-F-94) was the leading player in victory with 15 points and 5 rebounds. Liu Jung-Hsing (173-G-92) had 13 points and 8 boards, while Chang Chi-Fang (174-G-93) (6 as) and Yang Jung (183-F-93) added 12 points each. In the loosing squad, Fernando Serrano (82) delivered 11 points. Their second scorers were Fernanda Tapia (180-F-93) and Monserrat Videla (175-F-92) (5 rebs) with 7 points each. Taiwan made double-digit lead in the first ten minutes of this game and never looked back after that. Quarters: 9-25, 13-16, 10-20, 17-25. Championship will officially end today.

Chile: Fernando Serrano 11, Monserrat Videla 7+5 boards, Fernanda Tapia 7
Taiwan: Lin Yu-Ting 15+5 boards, Liu Jung-Hsing 13+8 boards, Chang Chi-Fang 12+6 as, Yang Jung 12

*****************************************************
  CHINA - Women  


China lose to Opals in Tour of Australia finale - by Eurobasket News
Australia - China 98:72

Australia recorded the third straight win over China in the exhibition series. This time the Opals claimed a comprehensive 26-point win in Townsville. Abby Bishop (189-C-88) stepped up with 20 points to pace the winners.
Australia started the game on a full speed. They accounted for 27 points in the starting quarter to ensure a 5-point lead before the second term. The margin kept on growing in the second frame. The Opals limited China to 9 points in the second quarter to post a 48:31 halftime lead. Australia exploded with 28 points in the third period to clear off to a 25-point lead at the final break. The hosts never looked back racing to the victory at the end. Suzy Batkovic-Brown (193-C-80) delivered 19 points and 6 boards for Australia. Kristen Veal (176-G-81) contributed 12 points in the victory. Miao LiJie (180-G-81) responded with 23 points for China. Chen Nan (197-C-83) had 12 points and 11 rebounds in the loss.

Australia: Abby Bishop 20, Suzy Batkovic-Brown 19, Kristen Veal 12
China: Miao LiJie 23, Chen Nan 12+11 boards


U19 China beats U19 Italy 66-62 for ninth place in Chile - by Eurobasket News
U19 ITALY - U19 CHINA 62-66

China was better than Italy 66-62 in the game for ninth place at the FIBA U19 World Championship in Chile. So China ended as No.9 at this event, while Italy finished as tenth ranked team. China took control on their rivals from the very beginning. They made 11-23 lead in the first ten minutes and were looking comfortable. Nothing has changed after that as China jumped to plus 19 until the half time. Italy slightly improved after the breather and came to minus 15 at the end of Q3, but still it was too much for them. Last ten minutes also belonged to Italy (27-16), but they were not able to make a turn. Yu Dong (195-C-93) was the leading player China with 25 points and 10 rebounds. Ma XueYa (188-C/F-93) had 15 points and 10 boards, while Sun Mengran (197-C-92) helped with 10 pts. In the loosing squad, Alessandra Formica (174-G-93) delivered 23 points. Their second scorer was Chiara Zanin (182-C-92) with 15 pts. Quarters: 11-23, 9-16, 15-11, 27-16. Championship officially ends today.

Italy: Alessandra Formica 23, Chiara Zanin 15
China: Yu Dong 25+10 boards, Ma XueYa 15+10 boards, Sun Mengran 10

*****************************************************
  FRANCE - Women  


U19 France blasts U19 Russia 82-50 - by Eurobasket News
U19 FRANCE - U19 RUSSIA 82-50

France destroyed Russia 82-50 in the first game of the Classification Round from 5th to 8th place. It means that France will play against Canada and the winner of that game will take position No.5 in Chile. Russia will meet Japan in the battle for seventh place. Both games will be played today. Jenny Fouasseau (179-F-92) shined in France with 17 points and 9 rebounds. Helena Akmouche (174-G-92) scored 16 points, while Clarince Djaldi-Tabdi (184-F-95) added 13 points and 11 boards. In the loosing squad, Ksenia Tikhonenko (174-G-93, agency: RIZO) collected 8 points and 7 rebounds. Yulia Poluyanova (187-F-92) netted 8 pts. Quarters: 12-15, 20-13, 22-14, 28-8. Today is the last day of the FIBA U19 World Championship in Chile.

France: Jenny Fouasseau 17+9 boards, Helena Akmouche 16, Clarince Djaldi-Tabdi 13+11 boards
Russia: Ksenia Tikhonenko 8+7 boards, Yulia Poluyanova 8

*****************************************************
  GERMANY - Women  


Wolfenbuettel lands Fikiel and Watson - by Juliane Hoehne
BC Wildcats Wolfenbuettel announced the signing of German Power Forward Katharina Fikiel (193-F/C-87). The 24-year old brings a lot of international experience to the team. Last season, Fikiel had only a short appearance in the first league in Italy with Basket Parma, where she averaged 1.8ppg and 1.8rpg. However, the season before she played a great season in the top league in France, scoring 9.5ppg and grabbing 4.6rpg for Toulouse Metropole Basket, which brought her a nomination to the German national team. Next to Italy and France, she has also played in Belgium and Poland, but decided to take her game back to Germany to combine athletic and academic goals. Head Coach Vlastibor Klimes is pleased of the new signing, which will give BC Wildcats Wolfenbuettel the needed strength under the basket combined with Callahan and Haughian.
Besides Fikiel, BC Wildcats Wolfenbuettel also signed American guard Tenaya Watson (175-G), who will play her first season overseas. Watson graduated this summer from Arizona State College where she averaged 7.5ppg, 4.0rpg, 2.3apg, and 1.8spg her senior season. She will complete the American Trio together with Haughian and Harris.

Tiffany Porter-Talbert stays with TSV Wasserburg - by Marsha Owusu Gyamfi
Finally good news for German Champion TSV Wasserburg. Tiffany Porter-Talbert (175-G-84, college: W.Kentucky) stays for at least on year and resigns with the club. With here full package and abilities with rebounding, steals, assist, and good defense she can still score if she needs to and help the team.

Coach Wanda Guyton is excited, because Tiffany Porter-Talbert made the team and each teammate better and is also a warm, open up and cheerful person.

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  INDIA - Women  


Taiwan University Team open William Jones Cup with victory - by Eurobasket News
Taiwan University Team - India 71:64

Taiwan University National Team opened their William Jones Cup invitational tournament campaign with victory. They overcame India on the first day of action. Hsu Chien-Hui (171-G/F-89) scored 17 points to pace the winners.
The teams stayed close throughout the opening quarter. Taiwan eked out a 17:16 lead after ten minutes. They stiffened defence in the second frame. Taiwan held India to just 6 points in the period to pile up a 35:22 halftime lead. Taiwan maintained the lead throughout the third frame. They established a 17-point cushion with one quarter to go. India went on a desperate comeback rally in the final frame but came up short at the end. Huang Ping-Jen (177-F-89) notched 16 points, while Chen Yu-Chun (176-F-87) finished with 13 points and 9 rebounds in the loss. Geethu Anna Jose (185-C-85) replied with impressive 34 points and 18 rebounds for India. Anitha Pauldurai (170-G-85) had 11 points in defeat.

Taiwan University Team: Hsu Chien-Hui 17, Huang Ping-Jen 16, Chen Yu-Chun 13
India: Geethu Anna Jose 34+18 boards, Anitha Pauldurai 11


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  ITALY - Women  


U19 China beats U19 Italy 66-62 for ninth place in Chile - by Eurobasket News
U19 ITALY - U19 CHINA 62-66

China was better than Italy 66-62 in the game for ninth place at the FIBA U19 World Championship in Chile. So China ended as No.9 at this event, while Italy finished as tenth ranked team. China took control on their rivals from the very beginning. They made 11-23 lead in the first ten minutes and were looking comfortable. Nothing has changed after that as China jumped to plus 19 until the half time. Italy slightly improved after the breather and came to minus 15 at the end of Q3, but still it was too much for them. Last ten minutes also belonged to Italy (27-16), but they were not able to make a turn. Yu Dong (195-C-93) was the leading player China with 25 points and 10 rebounds. Ma XueYa (188-C/F-93) had 15 points and 10 boards, while Sun Mengran (197-C-92) helped with 10 pts. In the loosing squad, Alessandra Formica (174-G-93) delivered 23 points. Their second scorer was Chiara Zanin (182-C-92) with 15 pts. Quarters: 11-23, 9-16, 15-11, 27-16. Championship officially ends today.

Italy: Alessandra Formica 23, Chiara Zanin 15
China: Yu Dong 25+10 boards, Ma XueYa 15+10 boards, Sun Mengran 10

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  JAPAN - Women  


U19 Canada outplays U19 Japan 77-71 - by Eurobasket News
U19 CANADA - U19 JAPAN 77-71

Canada made a first step forward to fifth place at the FIBA U19 World Championship in Chile. They handed 77-71 loss to Japan and will have to beat France in order to win position No.5. On the other side, Japan will meet Russia in the battle for seventh place. Both games will be played today. Michelle Plouffe (193-C-92) top-scored for Canada with 19 points and she pulled down 8 rebounds beside that. Nirra Fields (178-PG-93) had 14 points and 7 rebounds, while Katherine Plouffe (190-C-92) helped with 13 pts and 7 rebs. In Japan, Shiori Takada (170-G-92) collected 29 points and 5 rebounds. Rui Machida (160-PG-93) had 14 pts, 8 rebs and 11 assists. Quarters: 27-17, 20-11, 14-11, 16-32. Today is the last day of the championship in Chile.

Canada: Michelle Plouffe 19+8 boards, Nirra Fields 14+7 boards, Katherine Plouffe 13+7 boards
Japan: Shiori Takada 29+5 boards, Rui Machida 14+8 boards+11 as

*****************************************************
  NCAA1 - Women  


U19 USA eliminates U19 Brazil 82-66 in the Semis - by Eurobasket News
U19 USA - U19 BRAZIL 82-66

USA cruised past Brazil 82-66 in the Semifinals of the FIBA U19 World Championship in Chile. USA advanced to the Big Final, where they will meet Spain. Of course, the winner will take the Gold at this event. Brazil will play against Australia for the Bronze. Bria Hartley (5'10''-G-92) was the leading player in victory with 20 points. Stefanie Dolson (6'5''-C-92) had 12 points and 8 rebounds, while Cierra Burdick (6'2''-F-93) added 11 pts and 9 rebounds for 15 minutes on the court. In Brazil, Damiris Dantas (6'4''-C-92) came up with 13 points and 8 rebounds. Joice Coelho (5'9''-F-93) and Tassia Carcavalli (5'10''-F-92) netted 12 and 11 points respectively. Quarters: 20-15, 29-21, 17-16, 16-14. Championship ends today.

USA: Bria Hartley 20, Stefanie Dolson 12+8 boards, Cierra Burdick 11+9 boards
Brazil: Damiris Dantas 13+8 boards, Joice Coelho 12, Tassia Carcavalli 11

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  POLAND - Women  


Fresh news from PLKK - by Lukasz Lukaszewski
In the upcoming season Widzew Lodz will have a new head coach. His name is Piotr Neyder . Club did not extend contract with previous coach Miodrag Gajic . Inea AZS Poznan inks Dorota Mistygacz (183-F/C-92), young polish forward, bronze medalist from U20 European Championships this year. Artego Bydgoszcz lands Joanna Gorzynska-Szymczak (185-F/C-82), 29-years old polish forward. League management announced schedule for the upcoming season.

Piotr Neyder was announced as a new coach in Widzew Lodz in last season, but two days before first exercises he resigned. Now, Piotr Neyder get a second chance. He is 49
years old coach, but he dont have much experience in PLKK. Widzew Lodz will announce new players soon.

Dorota Mistygacz is 18 years old. She was born in Leszno. This forward started her professional career in MUKS Poznan. She debuted in PLKK in 2008/2009 season , in the next
season she had been playing in 15 PLKK games. Dorota Mistygacz averaged 1,9 points per game and 2,3 rebounds. Last season she also spent with MUKS Poznan , but in 1st
league. She was a starting five player. It is only a small chance for MUKS Poznan to be in the PLKK in the upcoming season. Dorota Mistygacz decided to sign contract with INEA
AZS Poznan, which is certain to be in PLKK.

Joanna Gorzynska-Szymczak signed contract with Artego Bydgoszcz. She have much experience from 7 PLKK clubs. Her biggest achievement is PLKK Championship, but She
reach it as a junior with Lotos Gdynia. Last season she spent in Widzew Lodz. She averaging 9,4 points and 4,8 rebounds in 23 games. Joanna Gorzynska-Szymczak is a power
forward who can play also as a center.

Season 2011/2012 will start on 1st October. In first round TS Wisla Can-Pack Krakow meet Lotos Gdynia in home area.

Inea AZS Poznan vs Energa Torun
TS Wisla Can-Pack Krakow vs Lotos Gdynia
LKS Siemens AGD Lodz vs CCC Polkowice
Matizol Lider Pruszkow vs KSSSE AZS PWSZ Gorzow Wlkp.
Artego Bydgoszcz vs Utex Row Rybnik
Odra Brzeg vs Super-Pol Leszno
Widzew Lodz


*****************************************************
  RUSSIA - Women  


U19 France blasts U19 Russia 82-50 - by Eurobasket News
U19 FRANCE - U19 RUSSIA 82-50

France destroyed Russia 82-50 in the first game of the Classification Round from 5th to 8th place. It means that France will play against Canada and the winner of that game will take position No.5 in Chile. Russia will meet Japan in the battle for seventh place. Both games will be played today. Jenny Fouasseau (179-F-92) shined in France with 17 points and 9 rebounds. Helena Akmouche (174-G-92) scored 16 points, while Clarince Djaldi-Tabdi (184-F-95) added 13 points and 11 boards. In the loosing squad, Ksenia Tikhonenko (174-G-93, agency: RIZO) collected 8 points and 7 rebounds. Yulia Poluyanova (187-F-92) netted 8 pts. Quarters: 12-15, 20-13, 22-14, 28-8. Today is the last day of the FIBA U19 World Championship in Chile.

France: Jenny Fouasseau 17+9 boards, Helena Akmouche 16, Clarince Djaldi-Tabdi 13+11 boards
Russia: Ksenia Tikhonenko 8+7 boards, Yulia Poluyanova 8

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  SPAIN - Women  


U19 Spain heads to Finals of FIBA U19 World Championship in Chile - by Eurobasket News
U19 SPAIN - U19 AUSTRALIA 55-49

Another great performance by Spain in Chile. It was the Semifinals game of the FIBA U19 World Championship and Spain celebrated 55-49 win against Australia. Thanks to this win Spain secured at least Silver, but they will have a chance to fight for the Gold and their rival will be USA. Australia will try to win the Bronze at this event. In order to do it Australia will have to beat Brazil. Astou Ndour (193-C-94) had double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. Mariona Ortiz (183-F-92) scored 10 points and handed out 5 assists, while Laura Gil (190-C-92, agency: Josep and Nicolas) added 8 points and 9 boards. In defeat, Rebecca Cole (177-PG-92) delivered 14 points. Their second scorer was Sara Blicavs (188-F-93) with 11 pts. Quarters: 16-15, 8-5, 13-15, 18-14. Sunday is the last day of the championship.

Spain: Astou Ndour 13+13 boards, Mariona Ortiz 10+5 as, Laura Gil 8+9 boards
Australia: Rebecca Cole 14, Sara Blicavs 11

Celta close to sign Brazilian prospect Damiris Dantas - by Eurobasket News
Celta is close to make great move for the future. The Spanish outfit is close to sign a deal with center Damiris Dantas (192-C-92). The 18-year-old player currently competes at the FIBA U19 World Championship in Chile. She demonstrated magnificent performance so far and for sure will be named one of the best players at this event. Dantas appeared 8 times for U19 Brazil so far averaging 20.3 points and 12.5 rebounds. Brazil will fight for the Bronze medal today against Canada. Damiris Dantas paced Brazilian senior NT to Gold at the South American Championships in Santiago last year. She had 11.4 ppg and 5.2 rpg for 5 games at this event. She also won the Silver at the FIBA Americas U18 Championships in Colorado Springs (USA) -10. Dantas played for Divino/COC/Jundia most recently.

Celta adds Anna Gomez - by Eurobasket News
Anna Gomez (180-PG-86, agency: Josep and Nicolas) is a new member of Celita. The Spanish point guard signed a deal for the next season. Gomez heads to Celta from Universitario de Ferrol, where she spent last season. A year before that she split between Cadi la Seu and Mann Filter Zaragoza. With the Zaragoza team she had 2.8 ppg, 2 rpg and 1.4 apg for 20 games in LFB. Gomez also added 5.3 ppg, 2 rpg, 4.3 apg and 2.5 spg in EuroCup. With Cadi la Seu, she had 3.3 ppg for six games. In the past, Anna Gomez was a member of Ibiza and Leon. She played for the Spanish U21 and U19 National Teams. With Leon and Mann Filter, Gomez reached LFB Semifinals in 2008 and 2010.

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  TAIWAN - Women  


Taiwan University Team open William Jones Cup with victory - by Eurobasket News
Taiwan University Team - India 71:64

Taiwan University National Team opened their William Jones Cup invitational tournament campaign with victory. They overcame India on the first day of action. Hsu Chien-Hui (171-G/F-89) scored 17 points to pace the winners.
The teams stayed close throughout the opening quarter. Taiwan eked out a 17:16 lead after ten minutes. They stiffened defence in the second frame. Taiwan held India to just 6 points in the period to pile up a 35:22 halftime lead. Taiwan maintained the lead throughout the third frame. They established a 17-point cushion with one quarter to go. India went on a desperate comeback rally in the final frame but came up short at the end. Huang Ping-Jen (177-F-89) notched 16 points, while Chen Yu-Chun (176-F-87) finished with 13 points and 9 rebounds in the loss. Geethu Anna Jose (185-C-85) replied with impressive 34 points and 18 rebounds for India. Anitha Pauldurai (170-G-85) had 11 points in defeat.

Taiwan University Team: Hsu Chien-Hui 17, Huang Ping-Jen 16, Chen Yu-Chun 13
India: Geethu Anna Jose 34+18 boards, Anitha Pauldurai 11


U19 Taiwan takes 11th place in Chile, hosts are No.12 - by Eurobasket News
U19 CHILE - U19 TAIWAN 49-86

Taiwan celebrated in their last game at the FIBA U19 World Championship in Chile. Taiwan destroyed the host of this event 86-49 to win the 11th place. Chile finished as No.12. Lin Yu-Ting (183-F-94) was the leading player in victory with 15 points and 5 rebounds. Liu Jung-Hsing (173-G-92) had 13 points and 8 boards, while Chang Chi-Fang (174-G-93) (6 as) and Yang Jung (183-F-93) added 12 points each. In the loosing squad, Fernando Serrano (82) delivered 11 points. Their second scorers were Fernanda Tapia (180-F-93) and Monserrat Videla (175-F-92) (5 rebs) with 7 points each. Taiwan made double-digit lead in the first ten minutes of this game and never looked back after that. Quarters: 9-25, 13-16, 10-20, 17-25. Championship will officially end today.

Chile: Fernando Serrano 11, Monserrat Videla 7+5 boards, Fernanda Tapia 7
Taiwan: Lin Yu-Ting 15+5 boards, Liu Jung-Hsing 13+8 boards, Chang Chi-Fang 12+6 as, Yang Jung 12

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  WILLIAM JONES CUP - Women  


Standing
Standings
1. Taiwan B1-0
2. Taiwan1-0
3. S.Korea0-0
4. India0-1
5. Japan0-1


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  WNBA - Women  


Standings
WNBA Standings
Eastern
 1. Indiana F. 13-6 
 2. Connecticut S. 10-6 
 3. New York L. 10-8 
 4. Chicago S. 9-11 
 5. Atlanta D. 8-9 
 6. Washington M. 3-14 
Western
 1. Minnesota L. 12-4 
 2. S.Antonio SS 11-5 
 3. Phoenix M. 11-7 
 4. Seattle S. 10-8 
 5. L.Angeles S. 7-10 
 6. Tulsa S. 1-17 


Liberty lose to Diana Taurasi, Mercury, 91-84 - by Eurobasket News
Looking back, John Whisenant said he would have coached the moment differently in the final seconds of the Libertys 91-84 loss to the Phoenix Mercury tonight. Whisenants Liberty had climbed back from nine-point deficit to Phoenix to close the gap to just two, and Cappie Pondexter (5'9''-G-83, college: Rutgers) had the ball in her hands.

Whisenant said at this point, he should have called a timeout. But in a game that had become a shootout, he let Pondexter run, hoping she would drive and create.

Pondexter passed to fellow Rutgers alum Essence Carson (6'0''-G-86, college: Rutgers), and her attempt to drive and create was derailed when she was called for an offensive foul.

Hindsight, I wish I would have (called time-out) now, Whisenant said. That was the game.

Phoenix's Diana Taurasi (6'0''-F/G-82, college: Connecticut) scored on the her teams next two possessions, and the Mercury (11-7) pulled away in front of 7,214 inside the Prudential Center.

In a shootout against the WNBAs most prolific offensive team, the Liberty (10-8) ultimately couldnt keep up. It was just their second home loss in their last eight games in Newark.

Carson, who committed the offensive foul, struggled to explain what went wrong as she sat sullen in front of her locker.

Unfortunately, it just happened the way it did, she said.

How the game unfolded to that point was predicated on Phoenixs offensive prowess, which at times seemed automatic. The play on which they finally took the lead over the Liberty for good tonight served as one of those automatic moments.

Down one with a chance to hold for the last shot, Temeka Johnson (5'3''-G-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: LSU) led the Phoenix offense on its typical brisk pace. She swerved around a defender to the baseline and found Penny Taylor open behind the 3-point line. The hand in her face didnt matter she nailed the 3-pointer.

Thats what theyve been good at, year in and year out, Liberty forward Nicole Powell (6'2''-G/F-82, college: Stanford) said. Thats the challenge in playing them.

For the first 17 minutes of tonights game, though, the Liberty executed their defensive plan to near perfection. But from the point Phoenix went on a 15-3 run to end the half, the Liberty found themselves engaged in a shootout.

After the initial stretch, during which the Liberty held Phoenix to 27 points in the first 17 minutes of play, the Mercury got back on track. They made six shots in the last three minutes of the second quarter.

In an offensive-minded third, the teams combined for 53 points.

After Phoenix took an 80-71 lead, the Liberty had a chance to cap an impressive comeback. And Whisenant directed the blame to himself. After he started to raise his arms but decided not to call timeout, he felt the game slip away.

I thought it would be an easier play to execute if we didnt call timeout and (Pondexter) did it naturally, Whisenant said. But it wasnt.

If I had to do it all over again, I wouldve called timeout.

Courtesy of www.nj.com

Shock lose for the 12th straight time - by Eurobasket News
Same old story, same old result.

The Tulsa Shock fell 89-72 to the Seattle Storm on Saturday night at the BOK Center after trying to claw back from a significant first-half deficit.

'If we get down and keep fighting, that takes all of our energy by the time we get to the fourth quarter,' point guard Ivory Latta said. 'That's sometimes why we don't have a good fourth quarter.

'We fight so hard in the third just to cut it within 10 or something and we're all pretty much laid out.'

The loss was the 12th straight for the Shock (1-17).

'It's just going to be a long season of growing pains here,' interim coach Teresa Edwards said. 'We're trying our best, but sometimes our best just isn't good enough.'

Tulsa trailed by 15 points in the second quarter and tried to fight back after halftime behind eight straight points from Latta.

'I thought the second half was the better part of the game for us,' Edwards said. 'We're still digging out of holes and we're still competing hard, and me as a coach still trying to find the right chemistry offensively, for sure.'

Sheryl Swoopes (6'0''-F/G-71, college: Texas Tech) hit a pair of free throws late in the third quarter to cut the Storm's lead to 60-55, but Seattle responded with a 15-2 run to give the team its largest lead and put the game away.

'When you get that combination of players that fights back so hard, they're going to get tired,' Edwards said. 'As soon as yo make those substitutions if you can't continue at the same tempo and energy that they brought, then you're going to lose it.

'And that's what happened. As soon as we made substitutions, they got right back into the game.'

The Shock again was doomed by lengthy stretches of offensive futility, going nearly seven minutes in the second half without a field goal.

'I thought especially in the fourth quarter the (Seattle) post players picked it up on the inside and rebounded and picked up loose balls,' Edwards said. 'They did what you do when you're a veteran team.'

Sue Bird (5'9''-G-80, college: Connecticut) and Swin Cash (6'2''-F-79, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Connecticut) burned Tulsa for a combined 52 points.

Tiffany Jackson (6'3''-F-85, college: Texas) led the Shock with 16 points, and Latta scored 11. Sheryl Swoopes stepped up her game, providing nine points and seven rebounds.

'She's playing against some vets, and you can see her veteranship come through,' Edwards said. 'She knows what she's doing. We just need a little more around her.'

After a brutal week with three games in five days, Tulsa is off until Friday, when it hosts Indiana at 7 p.m. at the BOK Center.

'I'm hoping I can sleep without worrying at least one night,' Edwards said. 'It's been a tough week.'

Courtesy of www.tulsaworld.com

Danielle Adams sidelined by Injury - by Eurobasket News
San Antonio Silver Stars forward Danielle Adams (6'1''-F/C-89, college: Texas A&M) is expected to miss four to six weeks due to a mid-foot sprain of her right foot. Adams sustained the injury during the Silver Stars' game at Washington on July 26.

A 2011 WNBA All-Star, Adams is averaging 14.3 points per game and 4.60 rebounds per game, ranking third on the team in both categories. The 20th overall pick in the 2011 WNBA Draft presented by adidas, Adams earned WNBA Rookie of the Month honors for June after leading all rookies in scoring (15.1) and field goal percentage (51.1). The Kansas City, Mo. native set a franchise rookie record with 32 points in the third game of the season against Atlanta and was one of four rookies named to the WNBA All-Star Game.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com

Sparks hold off Sky, 88-84 - by Eurobasket News
Delisha Milton-Jones (6'1''-F-74, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Florida) scored 19 points and made a pair of clinching free throws as the Sparks held off a second-half comeback to beat the Chicago Sky, 88-84, on Saturday night.

The Sky had closed within two points in the final minute, but Milton-Jones' free throws with 10.6 seconds left gave the Sparks an 86-82 lead.

Four teammates also hit double figures as the Sparks (7-10) snapped a four-game losing streak.

Chicago (9-11) nearly erased a 20-point deficit behind 12 second-half points from Epiphanny Prince and 10 from Sylvia Fowles. Both finished with 16 points, while Erin Thorn (5'10''-G-81, college: BYU) scored 17 off the bench.

Tina Thompson (6'2''-F-75, college: USC) had 14 points for the Sparks, and Jantel Lavender (6'4''-C-88, college: Ohio St.) added 13. Kristi Toliver (5'7''-G-87, college: Maryland) chipped in 12.

The Sparks used a 23-7 run in the final 6:57 of the first half to open a 51-36 lead. Thompson had two early three-pointers but had reduced minutes after collecting three first-quarter fouls.

The Sparks pushed the lead to 20 in the third quarter following Toliver's two free throws. Chicago cut it to 68-66 as Thorn hit consecutive three-pointers, but the Sparks extended the lead before one final push trimmed it to 84-82 with 20 seconds left on Thorn's fifth three-pointer.

The Sparks won for just the third time in 12 games and travel to Indiana on Sunday.

Courtesy of www.latimes.com

*****************************************************
  WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS U19 - Women  


Spain and USA to meet in the Finals - by Eurobasket News
SEMIFINALS

Spain - Australia 55-49
Another great performance by Spain in Chile. It was the Semifinals game of the FIBA U19 World Championship and Spain celebrated 55-49 win against Australia. Thanks to this win Spain secured at least Silver, but they will have a chance to fight for the Gold and their rival will be USA. Australia will try to win the Bronze at this event. In order to do it Australia will have to beat Brazil. Astou Ndour (193-C-94) had double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. Mariona Ortiz (183-F-92) scored 10 points and handed out 5 assists, while Laura Gil (190-C-92, agency: Josep and Nicolas) added 8 points and 9 boards. In defeat, Rebecca Cole (177-PG-92) delivered 14 points. Their second scorer was Sara Blicavs (188-F-93) with 11 pts. Quarters: 16-15, 8-5, 13-15, 18-14. Sunday is the last day of the championship.

USA - Brazil 82-66
USA cruised past Brazil 82-66 in the Semifinals of the FIBA U19 World Championship in Chile. USA advanced to the Big Final, where they will meet Spain. Of course, the winner will take the Gold at this event. Brazil will play against Australia for the Bronze. Bria Hartley (178-G-92) was the leading player in victory with 20 points. Stefanie Dolson (6'5''-C-92) had 12 points and 8 rebounds, while Cierra Burdick (6'2''-F-93) added 11 pts and 9 rebounds for 15 minutes on the court. In Brazil, Damiris Dantas (6'4''-C-92) came up with 13 points and 8 rebounds. Joice Coelho (5'9''-F-93) and Tassia Carcavalli (5'10''-F-92) netted 12 and 11 points respectively. Quarters: 20-15, 29-21, 17-16, 16-14. Championship ends today.

Places 5-8
Canada - Japan 77-71
Canada made a first step forward to fifth place at the FIBA U19 World Championship in Chile. They handed 77-71 loss to Japan and will have to beat France in order to win position No.5. On the other side, Japan will meet Russia in the battle for seventh place. Both games will be played today. Michelle Plouffe (193-C-92) top-scored for Canada with 19 points and she pulled down 8 rebounds beside that. Nirra Fields (178-PG-93) had 14 points and 7 rebounds, while Katherine Plouffe (190-C-92) helped with 13 pts and 7 rebs. In Japan, Shiori Takada (170-G-92) collected 29 points and 5 rebounds. Rui Machida (160-PG-93) had 14 pts, 8 rebs and 11 assists. Quarters: 27-17, 20-11, 14-11, 16-32. Today is the last day of the championship in Chile.

France - Russia 82-50
France destroyed Russia 82-50 in the first game of the Classification Round from 5th to 8th place. It means that France will play against Canada and the winner of that game will take position No.5 in Chile. Russia will meet Japan in the battle for seventh place. Both games will be played today. Jenny Fouasseau (179-F-92) shined in France with 17 points and 9 rebounds. Helena Akmouche (174-G-92) scored 16 points, while Clarince Djaldi-Tabdi (184-F-95) added 13 points and 11 boards. In the loosing squad, Ksenia Tikhonenko (174-G-93, agency: RIZO) collected 8 points and 7 rebounds. Yulia Poluyanova (187-F-92) netted 8 pts. Quarters: 12-15, 20-13, 22-14, 28-8. Today is the last day of the FIBA U19 World Championship in Chile.

Places 9-10
Italy - China 62-66
China was better than Italy 66-62 in the game for ninth place at the FIBA U19 World Championship in Chile. So China ended as No.9 at this event, while Italy finished as tenth ranked team. China took control on their rivals from the very beginning. They made 11-23 lead in the first ten minutes and were looking comfortable. Nothing has changed after that as China jumped to plus 19 until the half time. Italy slightly improved after the breather and came to minus 15 at the end of Q3, but still it was too much for them. Last ten minutes also belonged to Italy (27-16), but they were not able to make a turn. Yu Dong (195-C-93) was the leading player China with 25 points and 10 rebounds. Ma XueYa (188-C/F-93) had 15 points and 10 boards, while Sun Mengran (197-C-92) helped with 10 pts. In the loosing squad, Alessandra Formica (174-G-93) delivered 23 points. Their second scorer was Chiara Zanin (182-C-92) with 15 pts. Quarters: 11-23, 9-16, 15-11, 27-16. Championship officially ends today.

Places 11-12
Chile - Taiwan 49-86
Taiwan celebrated in their last game at the FIBA U19 World Championship in Chile. Taiwan destroyed the host of this event 86-49 to win the 11th place. Chile finished as No.12. Lin Yu-Ting (183-F-94) was the leading player in victory with 15 points and 5 rebounds. Liu Jung-Hsing (173-G-92) had 13 points and 8 boards, while Chang Chi-Fang (174-G-93) (6 as) and Yang Jung (183-F-93) added 12 points each. In the loosing squad, Fernando Serrano (82) delivered 11 points. Their second scorers were Fernanda Tapia (180-F-93) and Monserrat Videla (175-F-92) (5 rebs) with 7 points each. Taiwan made double-digit lead in the first ten minutes of this game and never looked back after that. Quarters: 9-25, 13-16, 10-20, 17-25. Championship will officially end today.

Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
 Damiris DANTAS
  (192-C-92)
  Avg: 20.3
 1. Dantas, BRA20.3 
 2. Amer, EGY19.3 
 3. Gortnar, SLO18.8 
 4. Watanabe, JPN18.0 
 5. Takada, JPN16.6 
 6. Roberts, AUS15.9 
 7. Fields, CAN15.6 
 8. Plouffe, CAN15.4 
 9. Diaz, ARG15.4 
 10. Motokawa, JPN14.8 
Rebounds Per Game
 Damiris DANTAS
  (192-C-92)
  Avg: 12.5
 1. Dantas, BRA12.5 
 2. Ndour, ESP9.5 
 3. Tikhonenko, RUS9.5 
 4. Cabrera, ARG9.2 
 5. Gortnar, SLO9.0 
 6. Amer, EGY8.8 
 7. Roberts, AUS8.7 
 8. Elshaarawy, EGY7.8 
 9. Djaldi-Tabdi, FRA7.6 
 10. Stewart, USA7.5 
Assists Per Game
 Rui MACHIDA
  (160-PG-93)
  Avg: 6.3
 1. Machida, JPN6.3 
 2. Cole, AUS5.9 
 3. Gretter, ARG5.6 
 4. Massengale, USA4.0 
 5. Baric, SLO3.3 
 6. Hartley, USA3.3 
 7. Degorces, FRA3.0 
 8. Ortiz, ESP2.9 
 9. Takada, JPN2.6 
 10. Chang, TAI2.3 
Steals Per Game
 Debora CARANGELO
  (167-PG-92)
  Avg: 2.6
 1. Carangelo, ITA2.6 
 2. Massoud, EGY2.5 
 3. Osama, EGY2.3 
 4. Gretter, ARG2.2 
 5. Williams, CAN2.1 
 6. Allen, AUS2.1 
 7. Ramona, BRA2.1 
 8. Hartley, USA2.1 
 9. Martins, BRA2.1 
 10. Plouffe, CAN2.1 
Blocks Per Game
 Hala ELSHAARAWY
  (181-F-93)
  Avg: 2
 1. Elshaarawy, EGY2.0 
 2. Ndour, ESP1.6 
 3. Stewart, USA1.5 
 4. Djaldi-Tabdi, FRA1.3 
 5. Tikhonenko, RUS1.0 
 6. Amer, EGY1.0 
 7. Tippett, AUS0.9 
 8. Bunton, AUS0.8 
 9. Gortnar, SLO0.8 
 10. Ma, CHN0.8